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Editor
Holder of a Master's degree in international law, I realized at the end of my university career that it was important to evolve in a field that you appreciate. Overnight, I decided to put an end to my parents' dream, who saw in me a future lawyer, to make a living from my passion: sport. Since then, I have covered transfer windows and sports news, trying to keep readers informed as best as possible.
On numerous occasions, the sale of OM almost became a reality. In 2020, just before the Covid period, Saudi Arabia injected nearly €200M into the Marseille coffers in order to take control and replace Frank McCourt. But various hazards delayed the formalization as told by journalist Thibaud Vézirian.
Questioned by a supporter during a live broadcast on Twitch, Thibaud Vézirian returned at length to a series which continues to last and whose epilogue remains a mystery, namely the sale of OM. The journalist had the opportunity to give a summary and explain why this issue is sensitive. According to his information, the deal could have been completed in 2020. But the uncertainties linked to Covid-19 did not help Saudi Arabia, identified as the purchasing party.
€200M injected in 2020
« I was close to the purchasing party who told me: “if we complete the negotiations that are underway, we will inject, during the covid period, €200M”. At that time, the club was still valued at €150 million. At the time, it was therefore probably the purchase of the club. The idea was to develop and promote the club according to specifications while waiting for the covid problem to stop because it was not possible to buy a large company. In 2020, they therefore put in €200M and it was up to them to manage it in transition. It was a process they never wanted to talk about…” said Vézirian.
“Deals between the two countries have frozen”
Then other events made this operation impossible. “Then the hazards piled up with the attack on the Commandery, then the war in Ukraine which had a strong impact on France, Saudi Arabia, but also international relations. In 2022, Macron received Ben Salman and things went down. Deals between the two countries have frozen » he confided.
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