Former Marseille president Pape Diouf dead at 68 after contracting coronavirus
Former Marseille president Pape Diouf has died after contracting coronavirus. He was 68.
The team announced the news Tuesday, calling Diouf, “one of the great architects in the club's history.”
It is with great sadness that Olympique de Marseille learned of the death of Pape Diouf.
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. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/oASMjZJ8rI— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_English) March 31, 2020
Diouf — who was born in Chad — worked as a journalist and then a sports agent before he took over as Marseille’s president. In doing so, Diouf became the first black president of a club in Europe’s top five leagues.
The team struggled initially, but Diouf made some shrewd moves that brought plenty of talent to the club. Despite finishing second in 2009, Marseille parted ways with Diouf. The team won its first Ligue 1 title the following season. Diouf played a big role in setting the foundation for that win.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel also paid tribute to Diouf, calling him a “charismatic, endearing and passionate leader.”
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