Former Marseille president, Pape Diouf has died after contracting Coronavirus. He was 68.
Diouf, who became the first black president of a first-tier European club when he took the position at Marseille in 2005, was being treated in a hospital in Senegal, the country of his birth, after contracting the disease.
Confirming his death, he French club wrote on Twitter: “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.”
L’Olympique de Marseille a appris avec beaucoup de tristesse le décès de Pape Diouf.
Pape restera à jamais dans le cœur des Marseillais comme l’un des grands artisans de l’histoire du club.
Toutes nos condoléances à sa famille et ses proches.? pic.twitter.com/w9KyE45JMA
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) March 31, 2020
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.”
Before serving as president for Marseille, Pape Diouf had been a journalist and football agent with Marcel Desailly, Basile Boli, William Gallas, Samir Nasri and Didier Drogba among many other clients.
