On Thursday, September 5, the spirits group Pernod Ricard withdrew its partnership signed earlier this week with the Parisian club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which was contested by supporters of Olympique de Marseille (OM). The latter believe that the company is first and foremost from Marseille and threatened to boycott its products.
« For over 90 years, Ricard’s history has been intertwined with Marseille, where he was born, grew up and inspired. And this bond is stronger than anything. So it is a decision that comes from the heart that I am making today. “, indicated the group’s CEO, Alexandre Ricard, in a press release, to justify this turnaround.
The partnership between Pernod Ricard and the PSG had been signed for a period of four years. It made the brand founded by Marseille’s Paul Ricard, creator of the famous pastis, the sole supplier of champagne and spirits to the capital club.
Rivalry between PSG and OM
Since then, against the backdrop of the historic rivalry between the Marseille club and PSG, the controversy has continued to swell, with many Marseille supporters expressing their indignation, calling for a boycott of the brand on social media, to the point of prompting a reaction from the mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan. I was not happy to see that “, the PS representative had indicated on Wednesday September 4 on BFM Marseille Provence, announcing that he was going to meet the CEO of the group and ask him for explanations. ” There are many things to tell him. First, I will ask him how and why we end up supporting PSG. ” he added.
- RFI
