Marseille risk fresh UEFA sanctions over Financial Fair Play concerns

Marseille risk fresh UEFA sanctions over Financial Fair Play concerns

Olympique de Marseille could face fresh sanctions from UEFA after reportedly failing to comply with the terms of a financial settlement agreement signed with European football’s governing body in 2022, according to L’Équipe.

Marseille were placed under enhanced financial monitoring by UEFA after breaching Financial Fair Play regulations. To avoid heavier sanctions at the time, OM agreed to a settlement with UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), including a €2m fine and a commitment to progressively return to financial equilibrium.

Under UEFA regulations, clubs are allowed to post losses of up to €60m across a three-year monitoring period, provided shareholders cover at least €55m of the deficit. However, Marseille’s financial situation has reportedly worsened significantly since then.

According to figures submitted to the DNCG, the French football financial watchdog, OM accumulated losses close to €157m over the relevant period. The club recorded deficits of €12.7m in 2022-23, €39.1m in 2023-24, and a major €105m loss in 2024-25.

Several sources cited by L’Équipe reportedly believe Marseille are now in “breach” of their UEFA agreement, although a final decision from the CFCB is expected later this month.

OM are expected to defend themselves by pointing to the sharp decline in domestic television revenues in France. UEFA has previously shown flexibility in exceptional economic circumstances, though it remains unclear whether that argument will sufficiently reduce Marseille’s excess losses.

Should UEFA determine Marseille’s breach to be relatively minor, the club could face further fines, squad restrictions in European competition, or limitations on registering new players for UEFA tournaments.