Marseille brace for austerity as players offered pay cuts before Troyes clash

Olympique de Marseille arrive at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday evening for the final match of Ligue 1’s sixth round against Troyes, with the club described as "the most troubled" financially and sporting-wise, even hovering in relegation danger.

New board uncovers a disastrous legacy

This summer the newly installed hierarchy uncovered the full extent of the damage left by former president Pablo Longoria, who was removed from his post a few months earlier. The assessment prompted an immediate turn to austerity measures.

Squad stripped of resources

Following a wave of departures among senior staff, Marseille entered the off‑season unable to sign new players, leaving head coach Bruno Genesio with a roster that is limited both in numbers and quality. Restrictions imposed by the DNCG and UEFA have not been enough to reverse the decline.

Salary talks with key players

Club president Stéphane Richard admits that the period of scarcity could be prolonged and that players may need to contribute. Negotiations over reduced wages have been held with several names, including Nayef Aguerd, Pierre‑Emile Höjbjerg and Amine Harit, although the exact outcomes remain unclear.

Igor Paixão vows salary cut to aid Olympique de Marseille’s survival

Brazilian striker Igor Paixao, the summer target of Genesio who turned down a prior agreement with Sunderland, has taken a proactive stance. Speaking to Canal+, he said, "They did not discuss a salary cut with me," before adding, "If reducing my wage helps the club, that is the best thing to do and then increase it later. We just need a discussion and a decision on the best way to do it."

Richard praised such initiatives, stating, "We are not yet at the goal, but everything we can still do will help the cause," and later confirming, "There are ongoing talks with some players that I welcome. Some have volunteered spontaneously, others have opened the door to join this war effort."

With the Troyes fixture looming, Marseille’s survival hinges not only on on‑field performance but also on whether the squad can collectively accept the financial sacrifices demanded by the new administration.