Issa Hayatou, a key figure in African football for many years, passed away in Paris on Thursday, August 8, 2024, just one day before his 78th birthday.
Confirming the development, FIFA president, Gianni Infantino expressed his sorrow on Instagram, calling Hayatou a “passionate sports fan.”
He 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.”
According to Cameroonian media, Hayatou had been dealing with a long illness before his death.
Issa Hayatou led CAF for 29 years, from 1988 until he was unexpectedly removed in 2017.
He also served as acting FIFA president from 2015 to 2016 following Sepp Blatter’s suspension due to corruption allegations.
In 2021, FIFA banned Hayatou for one year for violating their code of ethics related to a broadcasting deal with the French company Lagardère in 2016. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned this ban the following year.
Before his career in football administration, Issa Hayatou was a successful track and field athlete and basketball player.
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