Chancel Mbemba, former emblematic defender of Olympique de Marseille, officially took legal action several months ago against his former club, according to multiple sources including L’Équipe and Foot Mercato. Despite a remarkable tenure at OM, where he notably wore the captain’s armband, Mbemba experienced a tumultuous end to his contract marked by total sidelining during the 2024-2025 season. Refusing to leave while the club sought to sell him with one year left on his contract, he was ultimately placed in what the media call the « loft, » meaning complete professional isolation.
The dispute mainly involves accusations of moral harassment related to this forced sidelining, as well as pressure from OM to force the player’s transfer, including an attempt to impose a foreign intermediary on the Congolese player. These tensions, which reportedly began as early as Mbemba’s arrival in 2022, led to a season without any official matches, despite partial training with the group. The case highlights deep issues in the club’s human management.
At 31, Mbemba has moved on from Marseille by signing a one-season contract with LOSC, where he has an active role on the field. Nevertheless, the complaint filed with the Marseille public prosecutor’s office is ongoing, and no trial is yet scheduled. Contacted by the press, the club has chosen to make « no comment, » maintaining a cautious silence in a case that could eventually impact its image.
This complaint comes amid broader tensions within OM, where other players, like Adrien Rabiot, have experienced contentious exits. Once considered a defensive pillar of the club, Mbemba’s case illustrates a crisis of management and player relations raising questions about the club’s strategy and treatment of players.