Issa Hayatou, the esteemed former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), died at the age of 77.
Hayatou, a Cameroonian national, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the continental football governing body, leading it for an impressive 29 years. He assumed the presidency in 1988 and held the position until 2017, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and service.
Hayatou’s influence extended beyond the African continent, as he was a significant figure within FIFA, the global football governing body.
He served on FIFA’s executive committee, now known as the FIFA Council, from 1990 to 2017.
During his tenure, he briefly assumed the role of acting FIFA president between 2015 and 2016 following Sepp Blatter’s suspension.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences through an Instagram post, acknowledging Hayatou’s extensive contributions to sports administration.
Infantino’s words reflect the deep sense of loss in the football community. He wrote, “Saddened to hear of the passing of former CAF president, former FIFA president ad interim, FIFA vice president, and FIFA council member, Issa Hayatou.”
“A passionate sports fan, he dedicated his life to sports administration. On behalf of FIFA, condolences go to his family, friends, former colleagues, and all who knew him. Rest in peace.”
In August 2021, FIFA banned Hayatou for one year for breaching its code of ethics in connection with a major media rights deal signed with French company Lagardère in 2016.
The deal, criticized for its lack of transparency and potential conflict of interest, was a significant point of contention during Hayatou’s leadership.
The Court of Arbitration later overturned the ban for Sport in February 2022.
