Jaques-Henri Eyraud’s exit as Marseille President: A major cultural clash between a Harvard-educated Parisian and proud locals

After a four-year reign as president of Olympique Marseille, American owner Frank McCourt decided to replace Jaques-Henri Eyraud with Sports Director Pablo Longoria.

"...you have to be careful not to bring in a ‘fan in a suit’, because it will be someone who will talk about passion for the club...rather than looking at the plan defined together," said the former Disney-director. That comment was not well received.

The Parisian businessman made a number of management changes at executive level, but never got the backing of employees that was needed to realise his visions for the club. Big losses in the transfer market were also a problem.

Demoted to the supervisory board, Eyraud is still part of OM but will remain without influence in daily operations and speculation is ripe that he will leave the club.