OM–Nantes: insults, transfers and grudges — war is declared

An Explosive Showdown at the LFP

The latest board meeting of the French Professional Football League highlighted the growing rift between Pablo Longoria and Waldemar Kita. The FC Nantes president harshly attacked the Marseille executive, reproaching him for comments made in Auxerre last February—when he denounced a “complete corruption in this crappy league.” According to L’Équipe, Kita even suggested his resignation from the position of LFP vice-president, in a tirade mixing patriotism and personal accusations.

An Old Resentment

The tension between the two clubs is not new. As early as March, during Nantes’ visit to the Vélodrome, the Olympique de Marseille leaders deliberately ignored their Nantes counterparts, in reaction to Kita’s criticism of Longoria’s remarks. Longoria feared that OM had permanently sown doubt about refereeing.

The Abline Case, A Breaking Point

The conflict escalated last spring with the case of Matthis Abline. Eager to sign the young striker, OM reportedly approached his entourage directly, unilaterally setting a value of €15M and criticizing the Kita family’s management. For Nantes, these methods were deemed disrespectful and unacceptable, closing the door to any negotiation.

Ongoing Financial Disputes

On top of sporting grudges, there are financial disputes. OM still has to pay around €1.3M in bonuses related to Quentin Merlin’s transfer, staggered until 2028. Nantes is also claiming an additional €1.5M regarding the arrival of Valentin Rongier in 2019, a clause triggered in the event of a new Ligue 1 contract. These issues reinforce an atmosphere of mistrust.

A Lastingly Damaged Relationship

Despite Pablo Longoria and Mehdi Benatia’s stated desire to maintain good relations with Ligue 1 clubs, the accumulation of frictions with Nantes demonstrates the extent of the rupture. Between public clashes, accusations of inappropriate methods, and financial disputes, relations between the two clubs appear permanently weakened—with a possible impact on future negotiations and shared dealings.