Olympique de Marseille tests pre-season in Abidjan with government-backed events

The Olympique de Marseille (OM) concluded a 72-hour pre-season tour in Abidjan on Saturday, July 18, following their three-day stay in Côte d’Ivoire since July 15. The delegation, led by coach Bruno Genesio, included 24 players and 80 staff members.

A highlight of the trip was the match against Yamoussoukro FC, newly promoted to the Ivorian Ligue 1, held at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Friday, July 17. The fixture was announced on the club’s official X account prior to the encounter.

Before the game, a unique opening ceremony saw Ivorian government officials meet with OM’s management and technical team. On July 16, the Marseille players trained at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, where striker Faris Moumbagna worked with the squad.

Government-backed partnership for national visibility

The OM’s visit is far more than a sporting engagement. It is part of the renewed Sublime Côte d’Ivoire partnership, extended in April 2026 through 2029. The agreement, valued at 3.275 billion FCFA (approximately 5 million euros per year), underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration.

On July 14, three Ivorian ministers—Tourism Minister Siandou Fofana, Culture Minister Françoise Remarck, and Sports Minister Adjé Silas Metch—held a joint press conference to rally national support for the event. The Ministry of Tourism had previously announced the club’s arrival on its X account.

This coordinated government involvement reflects how Abidjan views the OM’s visit as a tool for national promotion, blending sports diplomacy, tourism, and cultural outreach rather than a mere pre-season training camp.

Community engagement beyond the pitch

The program included off-field initiatives. Marseille players were scheduled to visit children in difficult situations in Abidjan, alongside public training sessions during their stay.

Context of Côte d’Ivoire’s sports tourism strategy

The OM’s tour aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s long-standing efforts to promote sports tourism, led by the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure. This partnership with Marseille, now extended until 2029, stands as one of the country’s most visible international symbols. For Yamoussoukro FC, newly promoted to Ligue 1, facing a French Ligue 1 side offers rare exposure for an inland club, far from Abidjan’s usual football powerhouses.

New leadership at the forefront

Stéphane Richard, who officially became OM president on July 2, 2026, praised the partnership as a pivotal moment in the club’s summer preparation. His presence in Côte d’Ivoire alongside Genesio marked one of his first major international appearances since taking office.

The Marseille delegation returned to France on Saturday, wrapping up a trip that combined physical preparation, diplomatic engagement, and public relations for both sides.