Medhi Benatia has officially resigned from his role at Olympique de Marseille, leaving the club with immediate effect.
Benatia, who accepted the position because of his strong relationship and emotional connection with the club, had recently found himself no longer aligned with club policy. In his departure statement, he made clear that he never wanted to become a source of instability and chose to step aside in what he described as the best interest of the institution.
“I leave with the feeling that I did everything possible professionally, but with regret that I have not been able to calm the environment around the team.”
“Despite recent setbacks and some cruel sporting scenarios, the project is moving forward.”
“But I cannot ignore the current climate. I feel a growing dissatisfaction, a rift that I deeply regret.”
“In Marseille, results are the only judge.”
“You know my frankness and my transparency; therefore, given the tensions surrounding the leadership, I have indeed submitted and not merely proposed my resignation, because in my opinion the club will always come before individuals and I do not want my presence to become an obstacle or a burden to the organization and its development.”
“That is why, after long reflection, I took responsibility and decided, on Monday 9 February, to end my collaboration with OM.”
Benatia spent approximately one year and three months at Marseille in a management capacity before resigning on February 15, 2026. His tenure was divided into two primary roles. He joined the club as Sporting Advisor on November 30, 2023, before being officially promoted to Director of Football on January 8, 2025.