National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Issa Hayatou, former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has died in Paris at the age of 77.
Born in Cameroon in 1946, Hayatou was a towering figure in the world of football, leaving an indelible mark on the sport during his nearly three-decade tenure as CAF president.
Hayatou’s leadership at CAF, which lasted until March 2017, was a period of significant growth and development for African football.
Under his guidance, the Africa Cup of Nations expanded, allowing more countries to compete at the highest level.
He was also instrumental in increasing the representation of African teams in the FIFA World Cup, which brought greater visibility and recognition to the continent on the global stage.
Also, his efforts helped strengthen football infrastructure across Africa, laying a solid foundation for future generations.
In addition to his role at CAF, Hayatou served as the interim president of FIFA from October 2015 to February 2016.
He took on this responsibility during a turbulent time for the organisation, following the suspension of Sepp Blatter.
Despite the challenges, Hayatou managed to navigate FIFA through this critical period with his trademark calm and authority, ensuring stability in the world of football.
Following the announcement of his passing, condolences have poured in from all corners of the globe.
Many have acknowledged the pivotal role Hayatou played in transforming African football into a formidable force on the world stage.
His legacy as a visionary leader and advocate for African football will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
