**Stoke City Grants Compassionate Leave to Mame Biram Diouf Following Mother’s Death**
Stoke City striker Mame Biram Diouf has been granted compassionate leave by the club following the death of his mother in the tragic Mecca stampede last month.
The Senegal international has travelled to his home country to attend the funeral after his mother was among nearly 1,000 victims of the disaster, which occurred during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Diouf, who was already absent from Senegal’s recent friendly against Algeria, will also miss Stoke’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Swansea City on Monday. Manager Mark Hughes confirmed the player’s temporary absence during a press conference.
> “Mame has been granted compassionate leave. He will return early next week, but he will miss Monday’s match,” Hughes said.
The Potters had earlier issued a statement offering their full support to the 27-year-old forward during what the club described as an “extremely difficult time”.
> “Stoke City would like to express its sincere condolences to Mame Biram Diouf following the tragic death of his mother,” the statement read. “The club will provide Mame with all the support he needs during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and friends.”
Diouf joined Stoke City in 2014 and has since established himself as a key member of Hughes’ squad, valued for his pace, work rate and versatility in attack. He has also been an important figure for the Senegal national team, playing a pivotal role in their recent AFCON and World Cup qualifying campaigns.
The Mecca stampede, which occurred on 24 September in Mina, near the holy city, has been described as one of the deadliest disasters in the history of the pilgrimage. The incident has sparked international condolences and calls for greater safety measures during the annual gathering, which attracts millions of Muslims from around the world.
Diouf is expected to rejoin the squad next week, though Stoke have stressed there is no pressure on him to return before he feels ready. The club’s gesture underlines their commitment to supporting players through personal tragedies as well as professional challenges.
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