Marseille Appoints Ex-Orange CEO Richard as New President

French football club Marseille has appointed Stéphane Richard as its new president, with his term officially commencing in July. Richard, a former chief executive of the telecommunications giant Orange, takes over from an interim leadership. This move occurs during a challenging season for the club. Marseille is currently positioned fourth in Ligue 1, focused on securing Champions League qualification. Recent weeks have seen them lose ground, with teams like Lille and Monaco close behind in the standings. The club's American owner, Frank McCourt, expressed confidence in Richard's leadership, viewing him as the ideal person for the project. McCourt acquired Marseille in 2016. Marseille, which won the Champions League in 1993, has not secured a trophy since the League Cup in 2012. The club's Stade Vélodrome bears the name 'Orange Vélodrome' due to a naming rights agreement during Richard's time at Orange. Richard, who has personal ties to Marseille, expressed his enthusiasm for the role.