The ongoing dispute between Chancel Mbemba and Olympique de Marseille took another turn on Friday when the Professional Football League’s (LFP) legal committee delivered its ruling on the player’s situation. The Congolese international defender, who has been at odds with the club over medical and disciplinary issues, is now set to be reinstated—though tensions between both parties remain high.
The case centers around Mbemba’s refusal to undergo a medical examination ordered by the club, which led to his suspension last Saturday.
The defender, capped 85 times by DR Congo, had already faced internal sanctions following a public outburst involving reserve team coach Ali Zarrak.
Despite these challenges, the LFP has decided that OM must reinstate the player to the squad, as long as no further serious misconduct occurs.
Reduced Sanctions Following Incident with Coach
One key aspect of the LFP’s decision was the reduction of Mbemba’s initial punishment. After a heated exchange with Zarrak, the club had imposed a salary deduction, initially for ten days.
However, the committee lowered this penalty to six days. Mbemba acknowledged addressing the coach as “cousin” but denied making any inappropriate gestures toward Zarrak or the club president.
La Provence, a regional French newspaper, reports that Mbemba will now meet with club management on Monday to discuss the next steps.
Following that discussion, Marseille will have 48 hours to decide on a course of action.
Dispute Over Medical Examination Fuels Tensions
The root of the ongoing tension is the defender’s refusal to comply with medical examinations requested by Marseille’s doctors.
The club had asked Mbemba to undergo tests upon his return from international duty, with the aim of potentially scheduling surgery.
However, Mbemba opted for an independent MRI scan in Strasbourg, overseen by his national team’s doctor.
The results reportedly showed only a minor, asymptomatic meniscus lesion, which has been known since his days at FC Porto.
Mbemba’s camp considers the club’s second suspension to be unjust, citing his contractual right to choose his own medical advisors.
His refusal to comply with the club’s request has further strained relations, as OM appears intent on pushing for his departure, even as the player stands firm in his belief that he has done nothing wrong.
Speculation Surrounding Roster Moves and Mbemba’s Future
Behind the scenes, the situation is growing increasingly complicated. According to La Provence, Mbemba’s representatives are concerned that the club’s actions may be linked to the recruitment of new players, such as Adrien Rabiot.
There are fears that the club may be seeking to terminate his contract to free up space on the wage bill.
While this remains speculative, such a scenario would likely lead to a protracted legal battle, with Mbemba’s entourage believing that his rights, as outlined in his contract, are being violated.
Although the LFP has ordered Marseille to reinstate the 30-year-old defender, it appears unlikely that he will return to action with the team.
With his contract set to expire next year, it seems that Mbemba may have already played his last match in the club’s colors.
For now, both parties await the outcome of Monday’s meeting, as the standoff continues to cast a shadow over the player’s future at Marseille.
🇫🇷 | La commission de discipline de la Ligue Professionnelle de Football impose à l’OM de réintegrer Chancel Mbemba dans le groupe professionnel selon la Provence.
Sauf s’il est licencié pour une grave faute, le joueur n’a pas à rester au loft pendant la saison régulière.… pic.twitter.com/8B8scGDRwr
— Joueurs Congolais 🐆🇨🇩 (@JoueursCD) September 20, 2024
