Frank McCourt, owner of the Olympique de Marseille, is expected at the Vélo-drome on Saturday, August 23rd for the match against Paris FC. This visit marks a rapid return after the previous season, in a context of tensions exacerbated by the incident involving Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe. McCourt’s main objective is to discuss the reforms of French football and broadcasting rights, particularly with regard to the new Ligue 1+ channel, launched in July 2025. The instability surrounding TV rights has prompted the club to strengthen its financial security strategy, an issue that McCourt intends to discuss directly with Pablo Longoria.

The visit also takes place in a context of internal crisis. Rabiot and Rowe were officially placed on the transfer list following behaviour deemed unacceptable in the locker room after the defeat against Rennes. The club justified this decision as a collective measure, in accordance with the internal code of conduct, and announced this to the players the following week. The future of these two players is uncertain, with an increasing interest in clubs like Bologna and Sunderland for Rowe, and an OM willingness to recover nearly 15 million euros for Rabiot, with a possible reserve or partial reinstatement in the long run.

McCourt’s arrival at this game is therefore crucial to clarify the club’s strategy on several fronts. He will be able to assert his position on the discussions of TV rights and validate the trajectory of Ligue 1+, thus helping to stabilize the sports treasury. In addition, he will have the opportunity to position himself on the disciplinary decisions and future sport of Rabiot and Rowe, providing support for sport governance and sending a strong signal to the group. Symbolically, his presence attests to his involvement in the club’s balance, supporting Longoria and De Zerbi in a situation that challenges the image and cohesion of the changing room.