French Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille up for sale

Billionaire businesswoman Margarita Louis-Dreyfus,Olympique de Marseille’s majority share owner, is putting the French Ligue 1 football club up for sale.

Louis-Dreyfus, the Russian-born chairwoman of global trading house Louis Dreyfus Commodities, said she would sell Marseille to the best long-term investor.

She said the price is not her concern but the capacity of the new shareholder to build a team capable of winning at the highest level.

A source close to the club which has been rumoured to be on sale in the past, said several offers had been made in recent weeks.

Marseille, European champions in 1993 are struggling this season, lying 14th in top-flight standings and only six points clear of the relegation zone.