The 63-year-old, who took charge in 1996, passed away late last night after suffering from the disease for several years.

A statement on the Marseille website, www.om.net, this morning read: "The death Saturday of Robert Louis-Dreyfus, major shareholder of the club since December 1996, bereaves all the Marseille family.

"OM and all the Marseille family are in mourning. Saturday, Robert Louis-Dreyfus passed away aged 63 following a long illness.

"His directors and employees, all the OM players and all the sporting staff feel the sadness of Robert Louis-Dreyfus' family."

Louis-Dreyfus invested over 200million euros into OM but never saw them win a major trophy, although they did reach two UEFA Cup finals.

His reign was also controversial as he was handed a 10-month suspended prison sentence for his role in suspect transfers between 1997 and 1999.

The Swiss businessman employed seven presidents during his time at the Stade Velodrome and also spent some time in charge himself.

Jean-Claude Dassier was the last to be appointed, just last month, and he has urged everyone at the club to ensure the upcoming season serves as a fitting tribute to Louis-Dreyfus.

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"It's a shock," he told om.net. "He's dead after a several-year battle against the illness. 63 is young. And I know he showed a lot of courage.

"His death gives me a lot of pain. He was someone different. He was certainly not like others.

"There's two gifts for him. The first is already here. It's Lucho Gonzalez. A player he ardently wished to see join us.

"It's sad that he does not have the chance to see him this week with the team.

"The second present, and everyone has to devote themselves to it, is for OM to have a great season.

"It's the best homage that the club could give him.

"Everyone has to unite to have a great season and build a great team."

Marseille's future appears to hang in the balance, with no one knowing who will take over Louis-Dreyfus' shares.

However, Dassier is confident the club will not be affected on the business front.

"The future of the club is assured," he continued. "Robert Louis-Dreyfus always knew how to show a great prudence in the management of his affairs.

"It's something he always knew how to do perfectly.

"His brutal death causes us a great pain, but it doesn't put the club's progress in doubt.

"There's no worry on that matter."