Stade Rennais has referred the dispute over coach Habib Beye to the French Professional Football League’s (LFP) legal commission, leaving Olympique de Marseille in a holding pattern as they await a decision.
The Senegalese manager, seen as Marseille’s preferred candidate to succeed Roberto De Zerbi, remains at the centre of a standoff with the Breton club.
Rennes launched a formal proceeding against Beye and his three assistants on Monday, prompting the initiation of a conciliation process that is now before the LFP’s legal committee. A ruling is expected on Tuesday afternoon.
Internally, Rennes is reportedly treating Beye’s departure as a dismissal for gross misconduct. The former full-back, however, is demanding compensation equivalent to a year and a half of his contract.
Sources indicate that negotiations have broken down, leaving the situation unresolved and creating uncertainty over the timing of any move to Marseille.
For their part, Olympique de Marseille is taking a patient approach. Club president Pablo Longoria continues to maintain close contact with Beye’s representatives, emphasising that the club remains confident in their preferred managerial target.
Plans are reportedly in place for a meeting at the Vélodrome this Saturday during the home fixture against RC Strasbourg, with owner Frank McCourt expected to attend.
In the meantime, Marseille’s interim manager Jacques Abardonado is overseeing first-team operations, as the club remains in limbo while awaiting the LFP’s decision.
The outcome of the commission’s ruling will determine whether Beye can join OM immediately or whether further negotiations and legal processes are required.
The case has drawn significant attention within French football circles, highlighting the complexities of managerial departures and contractual disputes.
Both Rennes and Marseille are under pressure to resolve the matter swiftly, with the timing of any potential appointment likely to impact preparations for the remainder of the Ligue 1 season.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between legal procedures and sporting ambitions, with fans and stakeholders closely monitoring developments ahead of the weekend fixture.
