Ex-Marseille president Pape Diouf dies after contracting coronavirus

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Former Marseille president Pape Diouf died Tuesday after contracting the coronavirus, the club announced. The 68-year-old was admitted to hospital over the weekend in his native Senegal.

Marseille sent out a message to wish Diouf well in his battle against COVID-19 just hours before the confirmation of his death.

"It is with great sadness that Olympique de Marseille learned of the death of Pape Diouf," the club said on Twitter. "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."

Diouf became the first black president of a first-tier European football club when he assumed the position at Marseille in 2005. He remained at the helm of the Ligue 1 side until 2009.

He previously worked as a journalist and agent, counting the likes of Marcel Desailly, Samir Nasri, and Didier Drogba among his clients.

In one of many heartfelt tributes from current and former players in the wake of his death, Nasri called Diouf a "mentor," and lauded the impact he had on his career.

Under his leadership, Marseille won the Intertoto Cup in 2005.