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Sports News of Wednesday, 1 April 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Marseille's ex-president, Pape Diouf, dies from coronavirus infection

Pape Diouf Pape Diouf

French club, Olympique Marseille has announced the passing of its ex-president Pape Diouf who died, aged 68, as a result of with coronavirus infection.

Tributes have poured in for the Senegalese who lead the club as president between 2005 and 2009.

Marseille finished second in Ligue 1 twice and reached two Coupe de France finals and later won its first French league title in 18 years in 2010.

The club's tweet reads: "Pape will remain in the hearts of the Marseillais forever, as one of the great architects in the club's history."

Paying their last respect, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) said, "Journalist, agent, president of Olympique de Marseille, 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."

Former France and Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse played for Marseille when Diouf was in charge.

"Today French football has lost a great man," he said. "My sadness is great today. Rest in peace."

Manchester City's Benjamin Mendy described his "sadness" at hearing the news.

"A great president but above all a huge man, who always worthily represented Marseille and its values. A great loss for French football and the African continent. Rest in peace," he tweeted.