Ex-CAF boss Issa Hayatou dies at age 77
The former president held high positions in FIFA as well. Plus, news on Osimhen, Nzola, and more.
PARIS — Former CAF president and high-ranking FIFA official Issa Hayatou died on Thursday, per reports. Hayatou died a day before his 78th birthday in Paris after succumbing to his long-running kidney problems. Hayatou is best known for his long presidency as CAF, along with his occasional controversy surrounding FIFA. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, along with several high-ranking FIFA and CAF officials, paid respects to the Cameroonian legend.
Hayatou spent 29 years as the head of CAF, stepping down in 2017. He was also a member of the FIFA Council, serving a short term as interim president during Sepp Blatter’s corruption case.
"Saddened to hear of the passing of former Caf president, former Fifa president ad interim, Fifa vice president and Fifa council member, Issa Hayatou," now-FIFA president Gianni 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 helped bring African football in the limelight. He introduced U17, U20, and women’s versions of AFCON, and helped make sure that AFCON was held in January-February despite pressure from FIFA and Europe’s top leagues. Most importantly, he increased African participation at the World Cup and helped South Africa host Africa’s first-ever World Cup in 2010. His quick thinking in 2010’s Togo national football team attack helped save lives.
However, Hayatou’s reign as president was riddled with controversy and corruption. The Sunday Times publicized claims from a whistleblower that Hayatou had received $1.5 million to endorse Qatar’s World Cup bid, while Hayatou allegedly took bribes in the 1990s about the awarding of World Cup television rights.
Hayatou was one of the biggest faces of African football during its meteoric rise to the top. After a falling-out with Infantino, the Infantino-backed candidate Ahmad Ahmad dethroned Hayatou. Since, CAF has gone through a serious of scandals and controversies.
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