Issa Hayatou, the former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has passed away at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness.
The Cameroonian football figurehead had been in declining health for several years and had recently retreated to his hometown of Garoua in northern Cameroon, distancing himself from the sport he had once dominated.
Hayatou’s death comes after rumors of his passing surfaced earlier in March, which he managed to overcome, showcasing the resilience that defined his career. However, this time, his battle with illness proved too formidable.
As a renowned figure in African football, Hayatou’s legacy is marked by his nearly three-decade leadership of CAF, from 1988 until 2017, when he was succeeded by Ahmad Ahmad after losing the CAF presidential election. During his tenure, Hayatou was instrumental in shaping the direction of African football and promoting the development of the sport on the continent.
In addition to his role at CAF, Hayatou was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), further solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the world of sports. His contributions to African and global football were significant, although his attempt to become FIFA president in 2002 was unsuccessful.
Despite this setback, Hayatou’s legacy continued to grow, and he was appointed President of the National Football Academy in Cameroon in 2017 by President Paul Biya.