Marseille President Faces Backlash Over Corruption Claims Against Ligue 1 Referees

Pablo Longoria's accusations following Marseille's loss to Auxerre prompt legal action and disciplinary review.

Pablo Longoria, president of Olympique de Marseille, accused Ligue 1 referees of corruption after a 3-0 defeat to Auxerre, sparking widespread condemnation.
The Syndicat des Arbitres de Football d'Élite (SAFE) announced plans to file defamation lawsuits and referred the matter to the French Football Federation's ethics committee.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo called Longoria's comments 'diffamatory, inadmissible, and condemnable,' emphasizing support for referee Jérémy Stinat.
Longoria's remarks could lead to significant disciplinary action, with potential sanctions ranging from a suspension of several matches to months-long bans under Ligue 1 regulations.
The controversy follows prior tensions between Marseille and referees, including criticism of Stinat's appointment and a history of disputes involving Marseille's leadership.