Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President, Nick Mwendwa; former Chelsea forward, Didier Drogba; and Ivorian defender, Serge Aurier, have paid tribute to the departed Ivorian counterpart, Augustin Sidy Diallo, who died on Saturday.
The 61-year-old football administrator succumbed to the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.
The federation are due to hold a meeting to name an interim president as it prepares to hold elections when it receives the go ahead from Fifa.
“We grieve for the loss of Augustin Sidy Diallo, a great man, his contributions to Ivorian and African football is undeniable. Sidy has been a great servant for football at all levels,” Mwendwa said in his statement.
Mwendwa hailed Diallo, describing him as a great football man, a mentor and a father figure to the young and upcoming soccer administrators in Africa.
“In this painful moment, on behalf of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Executive Committee, Kenya’s football family, and on my own behalf, I wish to express our sincere condolences and deep sympathy to FIF, the whole Ivorian football community and to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased,” condoled Mwendwa.
He added:”It’s a big loss for Ivorian football and we extend our deepest sympathies. Rest in Peace (RIP) my friend, Honourable Sidy Diallo.”
On his part, Drogba said, “The Ivorian and world football family has just lost one of his son.
“Thank you for all President, a few only will understand but rest in peace. My sincere condolences to the family”
Tottenham Hotspur and Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier also took to social media to express his sadness.
“Even ill, you always wanted to be with us, I have no words and nothing to say except thanks for everything,” Aurier wrote.
“Rest in peace president. May Allah accept our prayers and welcome you in his kingdom.”
Diallo was the federation’s vice-president of between 1991 and 1994, during which time the Elephants won their first African Cup of Nations title in 1992.
In 2006, he was part of the FIF as Ivory Coast qualified for their first World Cup finals in Germany.
He was elected FIF president in 2011 and was in charge as Ivory Coast won a second Nations Cup title in 2015.