Temporary reprieve for Marseille
Tuesday, April 30, 2002
Article summary
Olympique de Marseille's last match of the season will go ahead at the Stade Vélodrome.
Article body
The Competitions Committee of the French Football Federation (FFR) has announced that Olympique de Marseille's last home match of the season will now go ahead as planned at the Stade Vélodrome.
Original ruling
On 18 April the FFR suspended Marseille from using their ground for the match against Montpellier Hérault SC on 4 May and ruled that they would have to play instead in Le Havre after crowd trouble marred the home games against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard and Paris Saint-Germain FC.
Appeal made
Marseille appealed against the decision and a meeting will take place on Thursday to rule on the matter. But whatever the result of those deliberations it has been decided that there will not be enough time to change the venue.
Ban to follow
The Competitions Committee has announced, though, that it will take appropriate action after the appeal has been considered. It is expected that the one-match ban will now be held over until next season.
