Marseille fires manager Michel ahead of French Cup semi-final

Marseille - Floundering French giant Olympique de Marseille dismissed manager Michel on Tuesday, with the club mired in both off-field turmoil and a relegation battle.

The change on the touchline comes one day before the team's Coupe de France semi-final against Sochaux.

Following constant speculation surrounding the future of the Spaniard, Marseille cited the 53-year-old's performance, "notably during the last three weeks," as reasoning behind the decision.

"Until the end of the season, Franck Passi, the assistant manager, will lead the team and will be helped with his task by Basile Boli, designated as sporting co-ordinator," read a club statement.

Related: Marseille boss Michel hits back at Boli's squad-selection criticism

The French side, currently up for sale, has won just six of 22 matches in 2016, with two of those victories coming against amateur sides in the Coupe de France.