French-Armenians of Marseille protest against a sponsorship deal between OM and Turkish Airlines

The prestigious French football club Olympique de Marseille (OM), signed on 30 August a partnership agreement with Turkish Airlines. In a statement issued by Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations in France (CCAF-South), the representation of Armenians of France noted that this partnership "between the Turkish national carrier Turkish Airlines and Olympique de Marseille raised the emotion and anger of the French-Armenians, all supporters of the club bearer of the good image of Marseille. They don't understand this alliance [...] representing the denialist Turkish state, heir and criminal accomplice of Armenian genocide !  [...] This sponsorship is unbearable.

We all love the Olympique de Marseille, and therefore we feel like a betrayal. [...] It is an affront to the memory of the genocide victims and the dignity of the descendants of genocide survivors on the eve of the centenary celebrations of genocide, "the statement said.

In addition, many supporters OM Club have announced boycott the 2013-2014 season felt like a "shame."

This partnership signed for the 2013/2014 season will promote the arrival of the Turkish company on the Marseille airport. Recall that Turkish Airlines has inaugurated on June 4 a new direct service between Istanbul and Marseille.

The CEO of Marseille Turkish Airlines,Ehran Ipeck, said he was satisfied with the agreement reached with OM.

Jean Eckian / Paris

Freelance journalist