In a sea of bad news in recent days, the management of Olympique de Marseille has finally seen a small brightening dawn on the horizon.
This appeared on Wednesday via the Facebook account of the mayor of the Marseille city, Benoît Payan.
During a live discussion with Internet users devoted to the finances of the municipality and the consolidation of the budget, the socialist councilor expressed his desire to separate from the Vélodrome stadium, whose financial management has become too heavy.
"The stadium is no longer possible, niet, finished!"
“The stadium, I want to sell it because it costs me too much money.
I want to sell it because it is a financial mess.
I said this when I was in opposition.
I will if I find a buyer.
I will manage in the months, the years to come to find a buyer.
The stadium is no longer possible, niet, finished!
154 million euros from the pocket of the Marseillais for thirty years it's over, ”explained the elected at the very end of the intervention.
Benoît Payan, who also claimed to have lowered by 7.5 million euros the next note linked to the hosting of the 2024 Olympic Games (sailing events), reaffirms his desire to get rid of equipment that Jean-Claude Gaudin, LR mayor of the city between 1995 and 2020 had always refused to give in, considering that it should remain a public heritage.
OM has already obtained exclusive use of the stadium
In 2018, at the insistent request of Frank McCourt, the American owner, OM obtained the exclusive management of the Stade Vélodrome.
"We are therefore going to do everything in our power to make this exceptional site even more one of the flagship places for the sporting, cultural and artistic life of the Marseille city, 365 days a year", rejoiced the president of the club. Jacques-Henri Eyraud.
A change of status which made it possible to consider new income for the club with the organization of events.
This takeover did not mean that OM became the owner of the stadium as Olympique Lyonnais can, for example.
Will the club's shareholder seize the rebound ball when the finances of the 1993 European champions are very fragile?
Maybe, but not at any cost.
The Ligue 1 club are still paying around 5.5 million euros each year to be able to have a stadium that has been hopelessly empty for months due to the health crisis.
As long as a public return is not envisaged, there is therefore no urgency on the subject.
To copy
Read also
Sale of OM: Ajroudi also wants to buy the Velodrome stadium