Gambia Football Federation has dispatched a condolence message to the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) following the sudden and sad demise of Mr Pape Diouf, former President of Olympic Marseille Football Club (France).
Mr Diouf’s death was announced on Tuesday 31st March, 2020 in Dakar, Senegal reported to have contracted the new Coronavirus infection. Diouf was an emblematic and respected figure in French, Africa and world football at large who has joined the growing number of past football barons.
In the message dispatched to the Senegalese Football Federation, the GFF expressed sadness and sympathy on the death of an icon. “On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Gambia Football Federation and the entire football family in the Gambia, we offer our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the bereaved and most especially the Senegalese Football Federation“.
Sympathizing further with the people of Senegal and the world at large, GFF General Secretary Lamin M Jassey signing on behalf of Football House said the former sports journalist cum football agent, “was a charismatic and endearing leader to be missed by Africa and the world at large“.
Mababa “Pape” Diouf, was the only black president of a top tier European soccer club when he was appointed to lead France’s Olympique de Marseille. Mr. Diouf was born on Dec. 18, 1951, in Chad to Demba and Aminata Diouf, and held French and Senegalese citizenships. He moved to France at 18 with the expectation of completing his university studies, but that plan quickly gave way to a stint in journalism. He was hired in 2004 as General Manager of Marseille, a difficult club to run, with a passionate fan base and turbulent modern history.
Within a year, the owner, Robert Louis-Dreyfus, promoted him to club president. During his time at the helm, from 2005 to 2009, Marseille came up just short of winning a title, twice finishing second in the league and twice losing in the French cup finals. But many credit Mr. Diouf’s recruitment decisions for ending an 18-year wait for the championship
