"Comme céder la Bonne Mère": Marseille Deputy Dismisses Selling Vélodrome to OM, Criticizes New Logo

Amine Kessaci, a prominent figure in Marseille's fight against drug trafficking and a city deputy mayor, recently discussed the Olympique de Marseille (OM) club's place in the city's life. He firmly rejected the idea of selling the Vélodrome stadium to the club and heavily criticized the team's new logo.

Kessaci, also known for his advocacy against drug trafficking following the loss of his brothers, spoke at length about OM's significance to the people of Marseille. While not a fervent football fan himself, the deputy mayor acknowledged the club's central role in the Phocaean city, despite recent sporting failures and financial struggles.

"I believe the club is going through a crisis. Sometimes, there's nothing to be proud of. When you look at last season, for instance. There's a strong need for stability," Kessaci stated to L'Équipe. "This is the condition for experiencing great moments of unity between the club, the supporters, and the politicians..."

The Vélodrome: "It's the Home of Marseillais!"

Despite the recent crisis and significant economic difficulties, OM aims for a relaunch under coach Bruno Genesio and with Stéphane Richard as president. Similar to PSG's pursuit of acquiring the Parc des Princes through negotiations with the Paris city hall, the possibility of selling the Vélodrome stadium to OM was considered, particularly during the municipal election campaign in early 2026. However, this is an unthinkable prospect for Amine Kessaci, the fourth deputy mayor in charge of youth, citizenship, and engagement.

"It's very simple: it's the home of Marseillais! During the municipal campaign, some candidates talked about selling it. The people of Marseille remembered that and voted accordingly," Kessaci declared definitively regarding the potential sale of the Vélodrome. "This idea was rejected because the Vélodrome represents Marseille, with its wave-shaped architecture, the diversity of its supporters, the noise, the rebellious spirit... Our stadium is beautiful."

"Selling it would be like giving away the Bonne Mère! Pope Francis celebrated a mass there, Jul holds his concerts there..."

Kessaci Slams the New OM Logo as a "Failure"

Having qualified for the upcoming Europa League, OM will begin their 2026-2027 Ligue 1 season by hosting Strasbourg. This Friday at the Vélodrome, Bruno Genesio's team will be eager to start the season well against a Strasbourg side undergoing reconstruction. It will also be an opportunity to debut in the elite league with the club's new logo on their jerseys. This new design has significantly stirred reactions among OM supporters and strongly displeases Amine Kessaci.

"I just can't understand it. Do you read 'OM'? It could be a Volkswagen logo or the New York logo sewn onto caps," the Marseille deputy stated emphatically in his interview with L'Équipe. "I'm not against modernity, but we can talk about a failure."

He concluded with a striking remark on the subject: "If I had asked my niece to draw it, it would have been prettier."