Issa Hayatou, Former CAF President, Passes Away at 77

Cameroonian Sports Icon Led African Football for Nearly Three Decades

Issa Hayatou, the long-serving former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has passed away at the age of 77. The Cameroonian sports administrator, who dedicated nearly three decades to leading African football, was widely regarded as a towering figure in the sport.

Hayatou's tenure as CAF president began in 1988 and lasted until 2017, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the history of the continental governing body. His influence extended far beyond Africa, as he held several significant positions within FIFA, the global governing body for football.

A former track athlete and basketball player in his youth, Hayatou transitioned into sports administration with the same passion and commitment that marked his athletic career. He became a member of FIFA's executive committee, now known as the FIFA Council, in 1990, a position he held until 2017. During his time with FIFA, Hayatou briefly served as the organization's acting president from 2015 to 2016, following the suspension of Sepp Blatter.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Hayatou in a heartfelt post on Instagram, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to sports. "Saddened to hear of the passing of former CAF president, former FIFA president ad interim, FIFA vice president, and FIFA council member, Issa Hayatou," Infantino wrote. "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."

Hayatou's legacy in African football is profound, having overseen the growth and development of the sport across the continent during his nearly 30-year presidency. However, his career was not without controversy. In August 2021, Hayatou was handed a one-year ban by FIFA for breaching its code of ethics in relation to a deal signed with French media company Lagardère in 2016. This ban was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in February 2022.

Despite the challenges and controversies he faced, Hayatou's contributions to football in Africa and globally will be remembered as significant. His passing marks the end of an era for African football, and his influence will continue to be felt by future generations.

Hayatou leaves behind a legacy of dedication to the sport, with his work in CAF and FIFA serving as a testament to his commitment to the development of football in Africa and beyond. He will be remembered not only for his achievements but also for his enduring passion for the game.