The Dakar Diaraf has inaugurated a new president in the form of Cheikh Tidiane Seck, a former goalkeeper for the Senegal Lions in 1986 during the African Cup held in Egypt. Elected by acclamation in the general assembly on a Sunday in Dakar, Cheikh Tidiane Seck expressed gratitude, stating, “It is my club which has placed its trust in me, so I wish to deserve this trust.”
In a competitive race against the former first vice president of the club, the prominent lawyer Me El Hadji Diouf, Cheikh Seck leveraged his status as a former player and son of the club, coupled with the respect earned from all the structures within the team from Medina.
Despite the acclamation, Me El Hadji Diouf, the opposing candidate, raised concerns about what he deemed a “monopolization” of the leadership, arguing that there was no actual election, and the acclamation was devoid of substance. He went on to denounce it as “a putsch which could push the Diaraf to its ruin.” Notwithstanding, he retained his position on the club’s steering committee.
It’s noteworthy that Cheikh Seck, a year ago, held the position of vice-president of the Senegalese football federation, specifically in charge of international competitions. His new role as president of Dakar Diaraf marks a significant chapter in his continued involvement in football administration.