On May 16, the Jean Bouin court in front of the Vélodrome stadium will be the scene of a highly symbolic event for fans of the Olympique de Marseille. A statue with the effigy of Bernard Tapie will be inaugurated there, according to information from BFM Marseille. This date was not chosen at random, it precedes by only 24 hours the last game of the season, a decisive match against Rennes, during which OM could still play a qualifying in the Champions League.

This inauguration pays tribute to the former president of the club, Bernard Tapie, emblematic figure in OM’s history. The choice of the Jean Bouin court underscores the symbolic importance of the place for supporters. From now on, this court will bear the name Bernard Tapie, in recognition of the major role played by the businessman in the club’s golden age.

Tapie is associated in particular with OM’s victory in the Champions League in 1993, the only one won by a French club to date. Under his presidency, the team won 1-0 against AC Milan, thanks to a goal from Basile Boli. This European title remains a reference for fans and a summit in the history of French football.

The event will take place in the presence of Bernard Tapie’s family and the Mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan. The ceremony will thus mark both an inauguration and a transmission of memory around the figure of Tapie, still very popular in Marseille. On the eve of a high stake match, OM and its supporters could pay tribute to their former president in the most beautiful way, winning a qualification for the most prestigious European competition.