Robert Louis-Dreyfus

Supporters of Olympique de Marseille are in mourning following the news that their majority shareholder, Robert Louis-Dreyfus, passed away aged 63 in Zurich on Saturday after a long illness.

'Remarkable man'
UEFA President Michel Platini stated that football shared in the sadness of Robert Louis-Dreyfus's death. "Robert Louis-Dreyfus was a remarkable man who loved football and his footballers more than anything," he said. "He dedicated a part of his life following his passion and it is with immense sadness for European football that we hear this very sad news."

OM fans 'orphaned'
Louis-Dreyfus had held a majority shareholding in OM since December 1996, and tributes were led by the club, who stated on their website: "The whole family of Olympique de Marseille had been put in mourning and the club ... share the sorrow of the family of Robert Louis-Dreyfus. It is a feeling of deep sadness that dominates each OM supporter who must all feel orphaned by this loss."

Honoured forever
The statement continued: "Robert Louis-Dreyfus has shown during the [past 13] years, his attachment without fail, by giving without counting in the interests of the club and its supporters. It is thanks to him that the club occupies the position that it is in today and gives strength to the millions of supporters that OM has both in France and worldwide. A major chapter in the history of the club has closed, but Robert Louis-Dreyfus will forever remain in the hearts and the history of all Marseille fans and those who are passionate about football. His name and that of his family will forever honour the great history of Olympique de Marseille and football."