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Former Moroccan international Mehdi Benatia, now serving as the director of football at Olympique Marseille, and Olivier Létang, president of Lille OSC (LOSC), have received their verdicts following a provisional suspension by the French Football Federation (FFF) last week. Benatia faces a three-month suspension with an additional three months suspended, while Létang has been handed a one-month suspension with another month suspended, according to a report by «L'Équipe». These substantial penalties are already stirring controversy.
Benatia, who had already been suspended after an altercation with referee Bastien in September (resulting in a six-match suspension, three of which were suspended), was penalized for his conduct during the OM-Lille match on January 14. At the end of the game, Benatia harshly criticized fourth official Clément Turpin for not awarding a penalty to OM, who were trailing 1-0 at the time. His actions resulted in a red card and further reprimands, with the committee noting the «vehement attitude» of the former Moroccan international defender.
On the Lille side, Olivier Létang was sanctioned for an uncharacteristic move: descending from the stands to grab the arm of the fourth referee, urging for the end of added time, which crossed the line of acceptable conduct.
OM reacted swiftly, announcing their intention to appeal the decision, labeling the penalty as «disproportionate». In a sharp statement, the club asserted that «the images showed that there was no threat», highlighting that the FFF delegate present at the hearing corroborated this view. «Convinced of the unjust nature of this decision, we will go all the way to the administrative courts if necessary», the club declared, viewing this as a «relentless attack» on Benatia.
The situation now lies with the FFF. In the interim, Benatia, a key figure in OM's sporting strategy, will have to remain off the pitch.
