Former CAF president, Issa Hayatou dies at 77

A former President of the Confederation of African Football, Issa Hayatou, has been confirmed dead.

His death was confirmed by the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, in a publication on his Instagram on August 08, 2024.

“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,” said the FIFA president.

According to reports, Hayatou battled protracted sickness before his death less than 24 hours before his 78th birthday.

He was 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 preferred against him.

In 2021, FIFA imposed a one-year ban on Hayatou for breaching 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, later, overturned the sanction the following year.