The message did not go unnoticed. At the kick-off of the match between Olympique de Marseille and RC Strasbourg, a banner displayed in the aisles of the Stade Vélodrome displayed a straightforward slogan: “McCourt/Longoria, get out of the way”. A strong message, all the more visible as the groups of supporters voluntarily delayed their entry into the enclosure for around fifteen minutes, leaving the stadium partially empty and shining the spotlight on their protest.
That Pablo Longoria is targeted can be understood in the current climate. The Spanish president, at the head of the club since 2021, is at the origin of numerous structuring choices: changes of coaches, squad overhauls, sometimes daring but often unsuccessful sports bets. The chronic instability of recent seasons has fueled weariness among part of the Marseille public, in search of continuity and tangible results.
“McCourt/Longoria get out of there!” » https://t.co/8D9kCTqFN0
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February 14, 2026
On the other hand, seeing Frank McCourt associated with this message may be surprising. Certainly, the American owner is not the most present in the media, nor the most demonstrative. But on a financial level, its involvement is difficult to dispute. Since his arrival in 2016, he has injected considerable sums, paid off massive debt and given significant resources to his successive leaders, including Longoria and Medhi Benatia.
At a time when other major French clubs have gone through areas of turbulence under problematic owners like Gérard Lopez in Bordeaux or John Textor in Lyon, the Marseille situation appears more nuanced. The anger of the supporters reflects real sporting frustration, but equating operational governance and financial commitment raises questions.
