The President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, made a series of appointments within the Senegalese customs administration during the last Council of Ministers held this Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Among the notable changes, the former international arbitrator Malang Diédhiou , Senior Customs Inspector of exceptional class, was appointed Director of Facilitation and Business Partnership, succeeding Mouhamadine Oumar Ba.
But who is Malang Diédhiou? Senenews offers you its journey!
Malang Diédhiou: A journey of excellence between sport and administration
Born on April 30, 1973 in Badiama, in the Casamance region, Malang Diédhiou is today an essential figure in the world of sport and Senegalese administration. At 45, the former international referee has successfully combined his skills on the field and his responsibilities within the Senegalese customs administration. His name is now synonymous with rigor, commitment and success, both in the field of football and in customs.
An exceptional referee
Malang Diédhiou’s journey into refereeing began at a young age. A child passionate about football, he quickly turned to refereeing while still in high school, starting out in youth competitions and regional leagues. This passion and determination propel him into the highest echelons of African arbitration. An international referee for more than ten years, Diédhiou has been selected for numerous prestigious competitions, including the 2015 and 2017 African Cups of Nations (CAN), the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, as well as the 2018 World Cup, where he is part of the very first African refereeing trio composed of his compatriots Djibril Camara and Malick Samba. This historic trio marks an important milestone in the world of arbitration, testifying to the recognition of Senegalese talent at the global level.
His expertise as a referee has led him to officiate in major events such as the CAF Champions League, the African Nations Championship (CHAN), and the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup, where he leads the third place final. His career is notable for his balanced and measured approach to refereeing, earning him a reputation for calm and professionalism. Although rigorous, Diédhiou is not a cardboard maniac, preferring to favor dialogue with the players. He announced his international retirement after the 2018 World Cup, leaving behind a significant legacy in the history of African refereeing.
A parallel career in customs
Outside of arbitration, Malang Diédhiou has an equally remarkable career in the public sector. A senior customs inspector of exceptional class, he holds the position of office head of the Dakar industrial free zone, a strategic role in the management of the country’s economic and commercial activities. With a rank equivalent to that of colonel, Diédhiou is a hands-on man who skillfully juggles his professional responsibilities and his sporting commitments. His management and leadership skills are recognized, and he is appreciated for his pragmatic approach and his sense of organization.
On January 15, 2025, the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, appointed him to a key position within the Senegalese customs administration: Director of Facilitation and Partnership with Business. This appointment crowns an exemplary career and demonstrates the confidence placed in him to modernize and revitalize the sector.
A man of values and commitment
Malang Diédhiou’s journey is that of a versatile man, capable of adapting to different environments while maintaining an impeccable work ethic. Apart from his professional and sporting activities, he is also a recognized trainer. Since 2019, he has served as an instructor in Video Assistance Refereeing (VAR) for CAF and FIFA, thus contributing to the evolution of refereeing practices on a continental and international scale.
A well-deserved recognition
His exceptional career has not failed to be praised. In 2016, he was named among the best African referees at the CAF Awards, and his refereeing trio is widely recognized for their professionalism and efficiency. With more than 70 matches managed to his credit, Diédhiou is in line with the great figures of Senegalese and African sport.
Malang Diédhiou is therefore the story of a man of multiple talents, who knew how to combine passion and professionalism brilliantly, becoming a reference both in the world of football and in Senegalese public administration. His rise continues to inspire many young people, and his influence is now felt beyond the playing fields.
