Ex-CAF President Hayatou Dies at 77

A former President of the Confederation of African Football, Issa Hayatou, is dead

Hayatou’s death was made known by the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, in a late Thursday post on his Instagram stories.

Infantino wrote, “Saddened to hear of the passing of former CAF President, former FIFA President and interim, FIFA Vice President and FIFA Council member, Issa Hayatou.

“As a passionate sports fan and IOC member, he dedicated his life to sports administration and on behalf of FIFA, and condolences go to his family, friends, former colleagues and all who knew him. Rest in peace.”

Hayatou battled protracted sickness before his death less than 24 hours before his 78th birthday, according to Cameroonian media.

He served as the president of CAF for 29 years, leading the organisation from 1988 until his unexpected ouster in 2017.

He also stepped in as acting FIFA president from 2015 to 2016 after Sepp Blatter was suspended due to corruption allegations.

In 2021, FIFA imposed a one-year ban on Hayatou for violating the federation’s code of ethics in connection with CAF’s 2016 broadcasting deal with the French media company Lagardère.

However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the sanction the following year.

Prior to his career in football administration, Hayatou was a successful track and field athlete and basketball player.