Former Marseille president Diouf dies due to complications from coronavirus

Former Marseille president Pape Diouf has died at age 68 due to complications from Covid-19.

Diouf had been hospitalised in his native Senegal and was placed under respiratory assistance on Saturday after his illness became serious. 

The Senegal native’s relatives had hoped to transport him to France to receive further medical attention but he passed away before he was able to leave Dakar.

Marseille confirmed Diouf’s passing with a statement posted on Twitter.

“Olympique de Marseille learned with great sadness of the death of Pape Diouf,” the statement read.

“Pope 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.”

Diouf served as president of Ligue 1 club Marseille between 2005 and 2009, before he was succeeded by Jean-Claude Dassier.