Julius OkorieFIFA, CAf and entire global soccer community should have been celebrating the birthday of former President of Confederation of African Football, Issa Hayatou, Friday 9th August, but instead were shocked to learn of his death.
Hayatou who served as CAF President from 1988 to 2017, died on Thursday, 8th August, just a day to his 78th birthday in Paris. Credited for immense development of African football, including the expansion of the Nations Cup and increased representation of Africa at the FIFA World Cup. He holds the record of longest serving CAF President; he was in office for 29 years.
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Hayatou also served as interim FIFA President from 2015 to 2016, at a time when Joseph Blatter was suspended amidst corruption scandal. A major power broker in world football, his administration encouraged other football administrators in Africa and elsewhere to be more involved in the administration of the round leather game.
Condolences have poured in from around the globe, recognising Hayatou’s pivotal role in transforming African football into a force to be reckoned with.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino underscores Hayatou’s Qualities
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, on the demise of Hayatou 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 according to Cameroonian media.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
