August 09, (THEWILL) – The former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou, has passed away at the age of 77.
He died on Thursday, August 8, in Paris, just one day shy of his 78th birthday. Hayatou was a central figure in African football for decades, leading CAF from 1988 to 2017.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Hayatou on Instagram, describing him as a “passionate sports fan” who “dedicated his life to sports administration”. Infantino expressed condolences on behalf of FIFA to Hayatou’s family, friends, and former colleagues.
During his tenure, Hayatou oversaw significant developments in African football, including South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 World Cup – the first time the tournament was held on African soil. He also served as interim FIFA President from 2015 to 2016 during the suspension of Joseph Sepp Blatter amidst corruption allegations.
Hayatou’s leadership was marked by the growth and increased international recognition of African football. His long-standing role in both CAF and FIFA made him one of the most influential figures in global football administration for nearly three decades.
The passing of Issa Hayatou marks the end of an era in African football. His legacy includes the expansion of African representation in international tournaments and the increased visibility of African football on the world stage.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
