Marseille – Supporters of Olympique de Marseille’s women’s team, known as the Marseillaises, have voiced their discontent with head coach Corinne Diacre, expressing their frustrations through graffiti appearing in the city. The unrest comes as the team battles to avoid relegation in its inaugural season in the Arkema First League, and follows a recent decision by Diacre to exclude key player Roselène Khezami from a crucial match at the iconic Stade Vélodrome.
The situation highlights the challenges facing the newly-promoted team and the pressure on Diacre, who took over from Frédéric Gonçalves earlier this season. Gonçalves was initially placed on leave before being officially dismissed following an incident involving a disagreement between players during a friendly match. The club then turned to Diacre, a former head coach of the French women’s national team, to stabilize the squad.
Graffiti Surfaces, Reflecting Fan Displeasure
Images circulating on social media, and reported by La Provence, show messages spray-painted on walls throughout Marseille. Slogans such as “Corinne dehors!” (Corinne out!) and “Ici c’est Marseille. Diacre, hors-jeu” (Here is Marseille. Diacre, offside) demonstrate the depth of feeling among some supporters. The graffiti underscores a growing divide between the coach and a segment of the fanbase.
Khezami Exclusion Sparks Outcry
The immediate catalyst for the public display of anger appears to be Diacre’s decision to omit Roselène Khezami from the squad for the match against Montpellier at the Vélodrome on March 28, 2026. Khezami, a veteran international player with Algeria, and previously a captain for the Marseillaises, is reportedly set to transfer to a club in England. The exclusion was particularly stinging as it denied her the opportunity to play in front of a record crowd of nearly 50,000 spectators – a landmark event for the women’s team.
Khezami publicly criticized Diacre’s decision on Instagram, recounting an incident earlier in the season where she was substituted just ten minutes after being brought on as a substitute during a match against Strasbourg. “Since those ten minutes, my situation has changed drastically,” she wrote. “A month later, I had only accumulated three minutes of playing time. And the rest is even harder to accept. I was excluded from THE match I had been waiting for my entire life: playing at the Stade Vélodrome.”
Diacre’s Appointment Met with Skepticism
Diacre’s arrival at Marseille in September 2025 was not universally welcomed. While her experience and credentials as a former national team coach were acknowledged, her often-contentious leadership style raised concerns. Reports indicated that her departure from the French Football Federation (FFF) was marked by strained relationships with management and players. Hervé Renard ultimately replaced her as the head coach of the French women’s national team.
The club, however, saw Diacre as a potential catalyst for growth, hoping she could bring stability and a winning mentality to the newly-promoted team. The Marseillaises are currently fighting to avoid relegation from the Arkema First League, making every match crucial. The team’s struggles on the pitch have amplified the scrutiny on Diacre’s methods and decisions.
A Demanding First Season for the Marseillaises
The 2025-2026 season has been a challenging one for Olympique de Marseille’s women’s team. Following their promotion to the Arkema First League, the team has faced a steep learning curve. The initial campaign has been marked by inconsistent performances and the managerial change following the dismissal of Frédéric Gonçalves. Dalin Anifani served as interim coach before Diacre’s appointment.
The team’s recent match against Montpellier, played in front of a record-breaking crowd, underscores the potential for growth and the passion of the Marseille fanbase. However, the team’s performance on the pitch remains a key concern, and the ongoing controversy surrounding Diacre’s leadership threatens to derail their efforts to secure their place in the top flight.
What’s Next for Marseille?
The Marseillaises face a critical stretch of games as they attempt to secure their survival in the Arkema First League. With only three matches remaining in the season, every point is vital. The team will need to overcome internal divisions and focus on their performance on the pitch to avoid relegation. The next match is scheduled for [Date to be confirmed – check official OM website], and will be a crucial test of the team’s resolve.
The situation also raises questions about the long-term future of Corinne Diacre at the club. While the club has publicly backed her, the continued fan unrest and the team’s struggles could force a reassessment of her position. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Diacre can turn things around and win over the hearts and minds of the Marseille supporters.
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