Daniel Riolo revealed on Monday the identity of one of the favorites to become the next president of Olympique de Marseille. The member of the After Foot explained that journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi is one of the options, or at least his name is “circulating,” to succeed Pablo Longoria at the helm of the Phocean club.
With Pablo Longoria leaving and Medhi Benatia on the way out, OM is set to have a busy offseason. In search of a new president to lead the Phocean club, owner Frank McCourt could opt for a surprising choice according to Daniel Riolo’s information on RMC. According to the After Foot member, journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi could become the next president of Marseille.
“The name that circulates the most is Mohamed Bouhafsi,” he asserted. “A profile that I find excellent for this position. From a sports, political, or Marseille society point of view, he ticks all the boxes. He knows Frank McCourt, he knows Medhi Benatia who is leaving, he knows Habib Beye if he has to stay, the players, the agents… His network in football is very important,” Riolo continued, regarding the former RMC Sport editor, now host of “C à vous” on France 5 and leader of a Mediawan audiovisual branch.
“For Daniel Riolo, Mohamed Bouhafsi’s young age (33 years) and inexperience in running a football club are not disqualifying factors. “He doesn’t have the experience to lead a football club, but like Michel Denisot, Jean-Michel Aulas, and Charles Biétry didn’t have. The only box he doesn’t tick according to McCourt is the experience. But he has the experience of leading a wing of Mediawan, with over 100 people, so he is used to it. I also remind you that Nasser al-Khelaifi was a tennis teacher with no experience in football, who didn’t know Paris or PSG. There is no model or profile with prerequisites for this function. It doesn’t exist.”
And to add: “His name is circulating, he is known in Marseille, and Frank McCourt knows him.”
Bouhafsi is “interested” in the presidency of OM.
Beyond the information about Mohamed Bouhafsi being considered for the presidency of OM, Daniel Riolo goes further. According to him, the journalist is attracted by such a challenge at the head of his beloved club.
“I know it interests him, I know it is one of his life goals,” continued the After Foot member. “We knew him when he was very young, but that was fifteen years ago, he has made his way. I think in terms of sports, politics, the city of Marseille, the Marseille society as a whole, he fits perfectly.”
And Daniel Riolo concludes: “Everyone knows the ties that bind us. But if I say it, it’s because his name is circulating. I think it’s a good idea, as I would have given my opinion for anyone else, and I think it’s a good idea. I don’t hide anything, people know we are very close.”
By Jean-Guy Lebreton with the After Foot.
