Issa Hayatou, Former CAF President, Dies at 77

Issa Hayatou, the former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has died at the age of 77.

Hayatou's leadership at CAF began in 1988 and continued until March 2017, when he was succeeded by Malagasy Ahmad Ahmad. His tenure was marked by significant developments in African football.

In addition to his role at CAF, Hayatou served as the interim President of FIFA from October 2015 to February 2016, during which he stepped in after Sepp Blatter's suspension. Hayatou managed the FIFA elections that led to the election of Gianni Infantino as the new FIFA President.

A spokesperson for CAF expressed profound sadness over Hayatou’s death, stating, “We have lost a remarkable leader, a man who devoted his life to the advancement of football in Africa.” This quote reflects the high regard in which Hayatou was held, acknowledging his significant contributions to the sport.

 The spokesperson further emphasized Hayatou’s lasting impact: “His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to further develop the sport on the continent.” This statement highlights the enduring influence of Hayatou’s work in fostering football development across Africa.