In Olympics news, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) learned of Youssoupha Ndiaye's death today, at the age of 83, with deep sorrow. Mr. Ndiaye was a member of the International Olympic Committee from 2002 to 2008, and he chaired the Ethics Commission from 2007 to 2017. From 2002 until 2015, he was a member of the Juridical Commission.
IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Youssoupha Ndiaye was instrumental in implementing the complex reforms of the IOC Ethics Commission. He was an outstanding Chairman of the Commission, and his unfailing loyalty and guidance enabled the IOC to take key decisions and strengthen the credibility of the Olympic Movement. Mr Ndiaye was a man of impeccable integrity with whom I shared many years on the Legal Affairs Commission. Personally, I am losing a wise friend whose advice was always very valuable for me and the whole IOC.”
On behalf of the entire Commission, the current Chair of the IOC Ethics Commission, HE Ban Ki-moon, offered his condolences on the death of his predecessor: “Under Mr Ndiaye’s guidance, the statutes and rules of procedure were considerably improved, enhancing the independence of the IOC Ethics Commission. His wisdom was a valuable asset in reaching high standards of good governance within the Olympic Movement.”
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Youssoupha Ndiaye, a lawyer, began his career as a judge before becoming the President of the Dakar Court (1976-1984). He went on to hold some of the most powerful posts in Senegal's legal system. Mr. Ndiaye served on the Higher Council of the Magistrature (1976-1984), the Supreme Court's Secretary General, the First President of the Court of Appeal (1991-1992) and the Court of Cassation (1992-1993), and the Constitutional Council's President (1993-2002). From 2002 to 2005, he was also the State and Sports Minister.
Youssoupha Ndiaye was a football fanatic. He won a gold medal in the Dakar Friendship Games in 1963 while playing for the Gorea Sports Association and the Saint-Louis team. Throughout his career, he maintained his dedication to the sport on an administrative level. Mr Ndiaye was essential in reorganising, controlling, and growing football in Senegal as President of the Senegalese Football Federation.
The IOC sends its heartfelt condolences to Youssoupha Ndiaye's family. The Olympic flag will be flown at half-mast at Olympic House in Lausanne as a show of respect.
