Marseille coach Didier Deschamps has warned the club they must replace president Pape Diouf quickly or face consequences.

Diouf resigned last night after a meeting with club owner, Robert Louis-Dreyfus, where it became clear his position had become untenable.

The situation could get even worse with sporting director Jose Anigo likely to follow the popular president out of the Stade Velodrome.

It has also put the brakes on OM's pursuit of several players and Deschamps has urged his club to appoint a new president swiftly.

"My mission has to fit into a very precise framework of a structure of people who, to be really efficient, will need to show loyalty, responsibility and above all competence," the former France captain said in a statement.

"A club like OM can't content itself with being nearly men.

"It's why I'm waiting to know the future structure at the club, because I'm not going ahead wildly with this very difficult mission.

"They need to act quickly because we are in the most important period in a club's year, that of recruitment.

"It's at this very moment of the season that everything often stems from."

Diouf's departure has been on the cards since the beginning of the month when his relationship with Louis-Dreyfus reportedly broke down following OM's failure to win a trophy last season despite heavy investment.

Moreover, he failed to turn up to a supervisory board meeting last week, while he has also been in conflict with Louis-Dreyfus' spokesman and supervisory board director Vincent Labrune.

Louis-Dreyfus summoned the 57-year-old to his home in Zurich yesterday and after over two hours of talks, Diouf decided to tender his resignation.

"After five years as president, Pape Diouf will quit his role," Louis-Dreyfus told the club's website, www.om.net.

"I have to congratulate him for the work he has accomplished within the club.

"He was a great president who worked for the good of Olympique Marseille.

"From a sporting point of view he knew how to lift the club to the highest level in France, finishing second in the league, all while fighting for the title until the last day.

"Moreover, he gifted the club with a healthy management.

"Unfortunately, the differences that have appeared prevent us from continuing the adventure.

"New challenges have to be picked up from now on. A new president will be named in the next few days."