Marseille head coach Habib Beye has taken decisive disciplinary action against Algerian midfielder Himad Abdelli, dropping him from the squad following a heated confrontation that has shaken the club’s dressing room.
The incident, which unfolded after Marseille’s 1-1 draw with Nice, has raised fresh questions about unity within the squad at a crucial stage of the season, with the club still fighting for a strong finish in their Champions League campaign.
According to reports, Abdelli will not travel with the team for their Ligue 1 fixture away at Nantes this weekend after a verbal exchange with Beye escalated in the dressing room at the Stade Vélodrome.
Tensions reportedly flared after Abdelli was challenged by the coach over a turnover that led to Nice’s late penalty in the 88th minute of the match.
The situation quickly deteriorated, culminating in a confrontation that shocked senior members of the squad.
The Algerian international is said to have responded forcefully, telling his coach: “Don’t talk to me like that, you’re not my father,” before adding: “I don’t give a fuck.”
The remarks reportedly left teammates stunned, with the atmosphere in the dressing room described as tense and unsettled.
Following the incident, Abdelli is believed to have left the training ground alone by car, rather than returning with the rest of the squad.
The decision to exclude him from the Nantes trip has been interpreted as a clear disciplinary statement from Beye, who is said to be intent on reinforcing standards within the group.
For Marseille, the move highlights the balance between managing internal discipline and maintaining momentum in a demanding season.
With European qualification still a priority, the coach appears unwilling to allow internal disputes to undermine team cohesion.
Abdelli only joined Marseille in January 2026 from Angers, arriving with high expectations and billing the move as a dream step in his career.
However, his time at the club has yet to fully take off.
He has made eight appearances so far, but has struggled for consistency and influence, and this latest incident could mark a turning point in his short spell at the club.
While no official long-term decision has been announced, the situation has fuelled speculation that Abdelli’s future at Marseille may now be in doubt, with the relationship between player and coach appearing severely strained.
For Beye, the message is clear: discipline will not be compromised, even as Marseille navigate a critical phase of their season.
