OM – Star Wars at the LFP: Marseille on the Frontline to Bring Down Labrune

A Whiff of Coup at the Summit of French Football

As journalist Romain Molina summed up in a viral video, it feels like we’re watching a new Star Wars episode, Ligue de Football Professionnel edition: the attempted coup against Vincent Labrune. This week, three seats on the Board of Directors (Reims, Nice, Toulouse) are up for renewal. Behind this apparent formality lies a political battle: if the right candidates are elected, a new majority could be formed, call a general assembly, and push for the dismissal of the LFP president.

Meanwhile, the LFP boasts about PSG’s European exploits as proof of French football’s “good health.” For OM and its allies, that’s just a tree hiding the forest.

An Elitist Model Under Fire

Under Labrune, the line has been clear: favor the European elite, shrink the number of clubs (from 20 to 18, maybe 16 tomorrow), and let the rest fend for themselves. But French football is not just the top four. It’s also Ligue 2 clubs, mid-table Ligue 1 teams, and a whole ecosystem now in peril.

Marseille keeps repeating it: without real redistribution and transparent governance, decline is guaranteed.

Nasser’s Key Role

Let’s be clear: no coup will succeed without at least the neutrality of Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. Labrune insists he has a perfect understanding with him, and many presidents still dream of a Qatari lifeline. But dependence on beIN, which often pays late, only weakens the system.

OM wants to cut that cord and rebuild on a simple base: one club, one vote.

Wednesday’s Battle: The Candidates for the Board

The four contenders are known: Fabrice Bocquet (Nice), Jean-Michel Roussier (Le Havre), Waldemar Kita (Nantes), and Loïc Féry (Lorient). The rebels’ goal is clear: block Féry, seen as pro-Labrune. If Bocquet, Roussier, and Kita are elected, an alternative majority becomes possible.

After Labrune?

Then comes the succession question. An interim could be handled by a veteran like Philippe Piat or an independent member. Carles, seen as too close to PSG, is divisive. Roussier (Le Havre) looks like a credible option, while Létang (Lille) is also mentioned. But there is no clear consensus. The box has been opened without knowing who will take the wheel.

Risks and Uncertainties

Labrune is a political animal, able to buy time and flip fickle presidents — Kita first among them. Leaks, betrayals, and counter-moves are to be expected.

The most likely scenario? A managed status quo or a prolonged standoff. But if the balance tips, the coup could become reality.

Marseille at the Vanguard

Marseille is no longer hiding. McCourt and Longoria want to break with a governance they see as toxic, reinvent the economic model, and put clubs back at the center of decisions.

On September 15, the Board meeting could mark a historic turning point. For OM and its allies, it’s judgment day. Revolution or status quo? The ball is in the presidents’ court.