By Daily Sports on April 2, 2020

Senegalese Pape Diouf, the former president of French giants Olympique Marseille, has passed away after contracting the coronavirus.

The 68-year-old was being treated in a hospital in Senegal after contracting the disease, but his death was confirmed by Marseille on Tuesday night.

A statement on Marseille’s Twitter account read: “Olympique de Marseille learned with great sadness of the death of Pape Diouf. Pape will remain forever in the hearts of Marseillais as one of the great craftsmen of the history of the club. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Diouf, a former journalist and football agent, became the first black president of a first-tier European club when he took the position at Marseille in 2005. He served in the role until 2009, with OM twice being runners-up in Ligue 1 under his tenure.

A statement at lfp.fr read: “The Ligue de Football Professionnel has learned this evening with great sadness of the death of Pape Diouf at the age of 68. Journalist, agent, president of Olympique de Marseille from 2005 to 2009, Pape Diouf dedicated his whole life in service of football.

“A member of the LFP administrative council from September 2007 to June 2009, Pape Diouf will be remembered as a charismatic and passionate director.

“In this moment of immense sadness for French football, the LFP offers its condolences to his family and those close to him, and to Olympique de Marseille.”

•PHOTO: Pape Diouf 

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 2, 2020

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