While Margarita Louis-Dreyfus has stated her reluctance to sell Olympique de Marseille, sports analysts are speculating about the possibility of a sale, with some suggesting that a Saudi buyer could be interested. However, others believe that the dominance of PSG and Monaco in French football may deter Saudi investors.
Luc Dayan, a former manager of several French clubs and a businessman with experience in club acquisitions, shared his thoughts on the potential sale of Marseille. Although the idea of a Saudi buyer has been floated, Dayan remains cautious, particularly considering the formidable financial power of PSG and Monaco.
Dayan expressed concerns about the limited Champions League spots available in France, with only two guaranteed places and a third requiring a play-off. He believes that the monopolization of these spots by PSG and Monaco could deter potential investors, as breaking into the Champions League becomes more challenging.
Meanwhile, sports economist Wladimir Andreff highlighted another potential factor influencing investment in French football. He mentioned recent tensions between Qatar, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia, suggesting that this geopolitical rivalry could lead to increased competition in football investment. Andreff speculated that countries like Saudi Arabia may consider investing in the French league, presenting a potential opportunity for Marseille.
Overall, while the possibility of a sale to a Saudi investor remains uncertain, experts are analyzing various factors that could influence such a decision and its implications for French football.