# Longoria River Plate controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/longoria-river-plate-controversy > Updated: 2026-08-03T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. After leaving Olympique de Marseille in March 2026, Spanish executive Pablo Longoria was appointed sporting director of Argentine club River Plate in April 2026. He attempted to transplant his cost‑cutting approach from France, immediately removing fifteen players from the squad while continuing to pay their salaries. The abrupt reductions sparked widespread criticism from journalists, supporters and club officials, who questioned his lack of experience in Argentine football. River Plate’s on‑field results deteriorated, with three consecutive league and cup defeats, and coach Eduardo Coudet’s position became precarious. President Stefano Di Carlo publicly described Longoria as an employee rather than a leader and raised doubts about his role. Media scrutiny intensified, and a reported physical altercation—where Longoria allegedly grabbed a player by the collar—added to the turmoil. The combination of squad upheaval, poor results and internal dissent suggested the club was heading toward a crisis under Longoria’s tenure. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-03: Pablo Longoria Sparks Turmoil at River Plate After OM Tenure Former Olympique de Marseille president Pablo Longoria’s move to River Plate has ignited criticism over his lack of experience, a controversial mass player release and reported physical clash, deepening turmoil 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pablo-longoria-sparks-turmoil-at-river-plate-after-om-tenure ### 2026-07-30: Pablo Longoria faces criticism and unrest as River Plate sporting director Former Olympique de Marseille president Pablo Longoria, now River Plate sporting director, faces criticism in Argentina for squad cuts, poor results and clashes with club leadership. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pablo-longoria-faces-criticism-and-unrest-as-river-plate-sporting-director --- Cite as: Longoria River Plate controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/longoria-river-plate-controversy