Marseille’s Coaching Tug-of-War: Rennes Blocks a Move as Rekraki Lingers in the Wings

The French club is seeking a new coach.

The Legal Deadlock

On Tuesday, the reconciliation talks organized by the French Professional League (LFP) failed to produce a deal between Habib Bay and Stade Rennais.

Although his name has been linked with Olympique Marseille, the Senegalese coach cannot join the club until Rennes releases him.

Bay cannot sign with Marseille for now, despite statements from Marseille owner Frank Makourt and sporting director Mehdi Benatia about a possible agreement, due to legal complexities surrounding the end of his Rennes contract.

The LFP's legal committee met in the afternoon to mediate between Rennes and the coach.

According to RMC Sport, no solution had been found before the committee, so the legal process remains underway.

Practically, Bay could only become a free-agent coach if Rennes sends the necessary letter.

Marseille’s Second Card

Meanwhile, Marseille's plan to recruit Walid Rekraki, the Moroccan national team boss, gains traction.

Moroccan press reports indicate Rekraki has been contacted by Marseille officials as a potential agreement draws near.