Chancel Mbemba officially leaves Olympique de Marseille

@OM_Officiel/X

Chancel Mbemba's time at Olympique de Marseille is officially over, with his contract expiring this Wednesday, May 7.

Congolese international Mbemba is now free to sign with the club of his choice, ending a season-long stalemate with French Ligue 1 club Olympique de Marseille (OM). The Congolese defender's departure concludes a saga that began with a failed move to Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab.

Despite a substantial offer to buy out the final year of Mbemba's contract, tensions reportedly arose over how the funds from the deal would be distributed.

The dispute drove a wedge between the player and club management, paving the way for a bitter conflict. Following the failed transfer, the 30-year-old was dropped from OM's first team squad and faced disciplinary action. Marseille suspended Mbemba, withdrew part of his salary and asked him to train with the reserve team, a request he refused.

Tensions further escalated when OM deemed Mbemba's remarks toward the youth team coach inappropriate. There were even internal discussions about terminating the Congolese international's contract. However, financial and reputational risks prevented Olympique de Marseille from pursuing this course.

As the conflict persisted, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) intervened, citing its regulations requiring clubs to reinstate players still under contract before the end of August. Marseille complied with its obligations by reinstating him in training but Mbemba never returned to the first team.

Throughout this ordeal, Mbemba reportedly refused several compromise offers from the club and chose to terminate his contract. With his departure now official, he is expected to attract interest from several clubs across Europe and the Middle East, although he has not yet announced his next destination.

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Ablam Gnamesso for Pan-Africa Football.