Coronavirus: Former Marseille president Pape Diouf hospitalised in Dakar

Former Marseille president Pape Diouf has been infected with coronavirus and has been placed under respiratory assistance in a Senegalese hospital.

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

According to French outlet La Provence, the 63-year-old is at Fann hospital in Dakar but his family are interested in flying him to France for further medical treatment.

Diouf has reportedly been under respiratory assistance since Saturday as he continues his fight against the virus.

Marseille, in a show of solidarity, have taken to social media to wish the Senegalese a quick recovery.

"Olympique de Marseille wishes to give its full support to its former president Pape Diouf, affected by the Covid-19," the club tweeted.

As at Tuesday, Senegal have recorded 175 cases of Covid-19 with 135 under treatment while 40 have recovered.