Official statement

Olympique de Marseille has taken note of the decision handed down by the Higher Appeals Committee of the French Football Federation, which confirmed the sanction of 30 January against Medhi Benatia.

As such, the club firmly maintains its position and its lack of understanding following the sanction handed down today on appeal. OM once again considers this to be unfair and disproportionate, especially in light of the broadcast images which make it possible to state without any ambiguity that its Director of Football did not behave in a threatening manner towards the fourth referee of the Coupe de France match against LOSC.

On the strength of these convictions, Olympique de Marseille has therefore decided to continue the proceedings alongside Medhi Benatia and to refer the matter to the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) in order to obtain a coherent and proportionate decision.