Former Marseille President and big-time football agent Pape Diouf dies after contracting the deadly novel Coronavirus {COVID-19}, he died at the age of 68.
Diouf who made history after becoming the first black man president of a first-tier Ligue 1 European club in 2005, he died at a hospital in his home country of Senegal.
Confirming his death, his former club took to there Twitter handle and wrote: “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.”
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.”
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
Tributes have poured in a show of support and condolences of both old and new players, Pape Diouf was a Journalist and football agent with Marcel Desailly, Basile Boli, William Gallas, Samir Nasri and Didier Drogba, Kylian Mbappe among many other clients. Photo Credit: Getty