Morocco national team head coach Walid Regragui is no longer under consideration to become the next coach of French Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Marseille.
Speculation had previously linked Regragui with a potential move to Ligue 1, but developments within the Marseille camp have effectively ended those rumours. Sources now indicate that Senegalese coach Habib Beye, formerly of Rennes, is close to being appointed as the club’s new head coach, following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi.
Beye’s potential appointment is said to have the backing of Moroccan international Mehdi Benatia, who currently serves as Marseille’s sporting director. His support is believed to have played a key role in shaping the club’s decision as it looks to stabilise its technical direction ahead of the next phase of the season.
Meanwhile, Marseille owner Frank McCourt has moved to settle the uncertainty surrounding Benatia’s future at the club. In an official statement released on Tuesday, McCourt confirmed that Benatia will remain in his role as sporting director until the end of the season, while also receiving expanded powers, despite having announced his resignation only days earlier.
French media had previously placed Regragui among the names under consideration to succeed De Zerbi, but the latest developments suggest Marseille have shifted their focus decisively. The club had earlier confirmed De Zerbi’s dismissal following a league defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, a result that accelerated internal changes at the Stade Vélodrome.
With Marseille now edging closer to a new appointment, Regragui appears set to continue his work with the Moroccan national team.
