Cyril Linette: Elevating OM to Rival PSG for Ligue 1’s Future

As the race for the presidency of the French Professional Football League (LFP) heats up, Cyril Linette has laid out his vision for the future of football in France during an exclusive interview with La Provence. Competing against Vincent Labrune, the former journalist and director of L’Équipe expressed his desire for Olympique de Marseille (OM) to rival Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to enhance the appeal of Ligue 1.

When asked about the influence of Vincent Labrune and Frank McCourt, Linette remarked, “Perhaps. But based on the information I have, it’s Pablo who decides.” He emphasized that it is Pablo Longoria, the current sporting director of OM, who will ultimately shape the club’s direction. In his conversation with the regional daily, Linette articulated his ambitions for French football, positioning Marseille as a key player in that vision.

Annual Title Showdown: Marseille vs. PSG

Linette believes that a competitive OM is crucial for the attractiveness of Ligue 1. He stated, “Should OM be a driving force in French football? Absolutely. It already is in many ways, but perhaps it lacks some continuity and resources to truly compete. The ideal scenario for French football is for Marseille and PSG to go head-to-head for the title every year. We should aspire to have OM become an even stronger locomotive.”

Strengthening Ligue 1’s Presence in Africa

In addition to his ambitions for domestic competition, Linette is keen on expanding Ligue 1’s footprint in Africa. He noted, “I am also sensitive to the growth of Ligue 1 in Africa; I don’t understand why we aren’t more present there. Currently, La Liga profits from its presence in Africa, while Ligue 1 does not, even though 30% of our players have ties to the continent. OM holds significant symbolic value in Africa, and we have countless opportunities to capitalize on this.”