Monday 29 August 2016 16:00, UK
Frank McCourt, former owner of baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers, has agreed to take control of Ligue 1 side Marseille.
McCourt is determined to turn the club into perennial contenders for the French championship, a title they have only won once since 1992.
The 63-year-old businessman bought the Dodgers for $340m back in 2004 but was forced to sell - receiving more than $2billion - in 2012 after a bitter divorce battle with his now ex-wife Jamie, who had been chief executive officer for the franchise.
McCourt agreed the deal after talks with owner Margarita Louis-Dreyfus and the city's Mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin, and the completion could happen within the next fortnight, while Marseille are not in league action because of the international break.
"To participate in the history of Olympique de Marseille and guide the club to success, both on the pitch and off, is an honour and privilege for my family and myself," McCourt said.
"I'm very excited about making Marseille a champion again."
Louis-Dreyfus took over the club after the death of her husband Robert, but recent results have been poor and they only finished 13th in Ligue 1 last season.
She put the club up for sale in April and, after the McCourt deal was revealed, said: "Today, Olympique de Marseille turns a page in its history.
"A new owner who would care for our fantastic club has been chosen among many candidates, in a long and diligent process...I am sure Frank McCourt will be the best choice to succeed my family and secure a great future for OM."
