Stéphane Richard sees his European ambition hampered by Létang

Stéphane Richard, who succeeded Pablo Longoria as president of Olympique de Marseille a few months ago, saw his ambition to join the board of directors of the EFC (European Football Clubs) shattered on Tuesday, after a clear defeat to Olivier Létang, president of LOSC.

Application and context

Richard hoped to regain one of the positions held by his predecessor in the bodies of European football, notably the seat left vacant by Longoria after his departure from OM. His candidacy aimed to maintain French representation within the EFC, where clubs from the six major European countries were called upon to choose between the two contenders.

The vote took place in Copenhagen on Tuesday afternoon. Olivier Létang was elected with 27 votes out of 32, far ahead of Stéphane Richard, who received only a few votes. But the clubs' preference for the LOSC president was clear.

Consequences for Olympique de Marseille

OM thus loses its seat on the EFC board of directors, the position now returning to Lille. The Marseille club, led by Frank McCourt, finds itself at odds with several other French clubs. This loss weakens OM's influence in European football decisions.

Olivier Létang's experience in European bodies was highlighted as a decisive asset. His closeness to Nasser Al‑Khelaïfi, president of the EFC, as well as his links with Vincent Labrune, also weighed in the vote.

This is Stéphane Richard's first setback in European bodies since his arrival at the helm of the Marseille club. The result underscores the challenges the French president still has to overcome to consolidate OM's position on the continental stage.