Former CAF President Issa Hayatou Passes Away aged 77
Issa Hayatou, the former African Football Federation (CAF) president, passed away on Thursday after a long illness. His death came just one day before his 78th birthday, according to Cameroon television.
Hayatou, a Cameroonian, served as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president for 29 years. His leadership spanned from 1988 until his unexpected ouster in 2017.
Acting FIFA President
From 2015 to 2016, Hayatou also served as acting FIFA president after Sepp Blatter’s suspension. He stepped in as the interim leader during a turbulent time for world football’s governing body.
Hayatou was a lifelong sports administrator, with a notable tenure as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member from 2001 to 2016. Afterward, he was honored as an honorary member.
Bribery Allegations and Controversies
In 2011, the IOC disciplined Hayatou over his involvement in an alleged bribery scandal at FIFA. The BBC’s Panorama claimed he received about $20,000 from the now-defunct sports marketing company ISL in 1995. Hayatou denied any wrongdoing, stating the money was a gift for his confederation.
Hayatou’s tenure saw significant strides in African football, but he faced accusations of being dictatorial and slow to embrace change. In 2002, he challenged Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency but suffered a heavy defeat as many African countries voted against him.
