Stéphane Richard warns: OM's austerity drive is far from over

Olympique de Marseille has not yet resolved its financial crisis. That is the blunt message delivered by president Stéphane Richard, who painted a grim financial picture despite eleven departures this summer with zero arrivals and a significant reduction in the wage bill.

Under dual pressure from the DNCG and European Financial Fair Play, the Phocaean club has set a precise target: bring the wage bill below the €100 million mark, down from €160 million previously. Summer efforts have already compressed it by 30–35%, but the trajectory must still be refined ahead of a decisive appearance before French football’s financial watchdog, scheduled in three months.

“We’ve done a lot this summer. Overall, the squad has shrunk, we’ve managed to achieve a very substantial reduction in the wage bill. Unprecedented in the club’s history in such a short time,” Stéphane Richard emphasised.

To continue this budget deflation without relying solely on player sales, the Marseille board has entered direct negotiations with several squad members to revise certain salaries. Several key players are reported to have agreed to participate. “There are still discussions underway with certain players whom I commend. Some have volunteered spontaneously and others have opened the door to participating in this war effort,” said the former Orange executive, adding that “the trajectory has been completely altered compared to the previous two seasons”.

Facing supporter concerns, the presidency wants to reassure on the involvement of the principal shareholder. Frank McCourt would remain closely involved in every strategic decision. “I speak to him a lot. He is very present on all the decisions we make, he followed the transfer window closely. Not only was he involved in the decisions, but he is the one making them,” Stéphane Richard concluded.

OM therefore enters the rest of the season in an unprecedented budget constraint context, with the DNCG deadline as the first concrete test of the solidity of the turnaround plan undertaken.