Issa Hayatou, the influential former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has died at the age of 77. The Cameroonian football administrator passed away in Paris on Thursday, just a day before his 78th birthday.
Born on August 9, 1946, in Garoua, Cameroon, Hayatou was a pivotal figure in African football for decades. He served as the president of CAF for an unprecedented 29 years, from 1988 to 2017, during which he played a crucial role in elevating Africa’s presence on the global football stage. Notably, he was instrumental in increasing Africa’s representation at the FIFA World Cup from two to five slots, a significant achievement for the continent.
Under his leadership, South Africa made history by hosting the World Cup in 2010, marking the first time the tournament was held on African soil. However, Hayatou’s long tenure came to an end in 2017 when he was defeated by Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar in the CAF presidential election.
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Despite his electoral defeat, Hayatou’s legacy as the longest-serving CAF President remains a testament to his enduring impact on the sport. His contributions to African football have been widely acknowledged and celebrated.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences on Instagram, highlighting Hayatou’s dedication to sports administration and his significant impact on football.
Hayatou’s career was not without controversy. In August 2021, he received a one-year ban from FIFA for allegedly violating its ethics code in connection with a major deal with the French media company Lagardère in 2016. However, this sanction was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in February 2022.
Following the news of his passing, tributes have poured in from across the globe. Sports journalists and football enthusiasts from Africa and beyond have taken to social media to express their condolences, acknowledging Hayatou’s lasting contributions to the world of football.
