Football news - Ex-Marseille president Pape Diouf dies after contracting coronavirus
ByReuters
Updated 01/04/2020 at 07:09 GMT
Former Olympique de Marseille president Pape Diouf has died aged 68 after contracting the coronavirus, the Ligue 1 club announced.
Former president of Marseille football club "l'Olympique de Marseille" Pape Diouf poses after announcing he his running for mayor in Marseille, on February 4, 2014 in Marseille. AFP PHOTO / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT (Photo credit should read ANNE-CHRISTINE
Image credit: Getty Images
Marseille said earlier this week that Diouf, a Senegalese national who moved to the city as a teenager, had contracted the virus.
He was being treated in the Senegalese capital Dakar where he passed away.
A former journalist and players' agent, Diouf was president of Marseille from 2005 to 2009 when they finished runners-up in Ligue 1 twice and reached two French Cup finals, losing both. Marseille were crowned league champions the year after his departure.
"It is with great sadness that Olympique de Marseille learned of the death of Pape Diouf," the club said on their official Twitter account.
"Pape will remain in the hearts of the Marseillais forever, as one of the great architects in the club's history. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones."
A statement from the French league's organising body, the LFP, added: "Pape Diouf will be remembered as a charismatic, endearing and passionate leader.
"The LFP extends its condolences to his family, his loved ones and to Olympique de Marseille during this moment of immense sadness for French football."
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