Issa Hayatou, former CAF President, passes away at 77

Issa Hayatou, the former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has died at the age of 77 in Paris on Thursday, August 8, 2024, just a day before his 78th birthday.

Hayatou was a key figure in African football for decades, significantly influencing the sport’s development across the continent.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Hayatou, describing him as a “passionate sports fan” in a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday evening. Hayatou’s legacy in football administration is remembered fondly by many in the sporting 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.”

Hayatou was in charge of African football from 1988 to 2017 and served as interim FIFA President from 2015 to 2016 when Joseph Sepp Blatter was suspended amidst a corruption scandal.

It was also under his tenure that South Africa hosted the World Cup in 2010, becoming the first-ever African nation to host the tournament.