Three days after harshly criticizing referee Jérémy Stinat following Marseille’s 0-3 defeat to Auxerre in Ligue 1—going as far as suggesting corruption—Pablo Longoria has officially backtracked on his statements.
“There is no corruption in French football. The way I expressed myself was inappropriate, and I regret my choice of words,” admitted the OM president on Monday in a statement to AFP. Now, it remains to be seen whether the disciplinary committee will take this clarification into account, as Longoria faces a possible suspension of up to 12 matches.
Super League: Just a Provocation?
In the heat of the moment after the Auxerre defeat, Longoria also took aim at French football and hinted at the possibility of Marseille joining the Super League—a surprising claim, given that OM had officially opposed the project in April 2021.
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However, according to L’Équipe, the club’s stance has not changed. Longoria still considers the Super League a mistake, and within the club, his comments are seen as a mere provocation. Although A22, the competition’s promoter, has reached out to Marseille, the club’s management does not appear to be seriously considering this option.
