Issa Hayatou, former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), passed away on Thursday in Paris. Hayatou, a prominent figure in African football for decades, died at the age of 77, just one day before his 78th birthday. He was born on August 9, 1946, in Garoua, Cameroon.
Here are 10 interesting facts about Issa Hayatou
- Longest-Serving CAF President: Issa Hayatou served as the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for 29 years, from 1988 to 2017, making him the longest-serving president in the organisation’s history.
- Olympic Ties: In addition to his role in football, Hayatou was also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2020, contributing to global sports governance.
- Athletic Background: Before his administrative career, Hayatou was an accomplished athlete, excelling in basketball and athletics in his home country of Cameroon.
- Key in Africa’s World Cup Slots: Hayatou was instrumental in increasing Africa’s slots at the FIFA World Cup from two to five, significantly enhancing the continent’s representation on the global stage.
- 2010 World Cup: Under his leadership, South Africa became the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup in 2010, a milestone moment for African football.
- Acting FIFA President: Hayatou served as the acting President of FIFA for a brief period in 2015, following the suspension of then-FIFA President Sepp Blatter.
- Family Legacy: Hayatou came from a prominent family in Cameroon; his brother, Sadou Hayatou, served as Prime Minister of Cameroon from 1991 to 1992.
- Educational Background: He studied at the National Institute of Sports in France, which laid the foundation for his later career in sports administration.
- Controversial Exit: Despite his long service, Hayatou’s tenure ended in 2017 when he was defeated by Ahmad Ahmad in the CAF presidential election, marking a significant shift in African football leadership.
- International Influence: Hayatou’s influence extended beyond Africa. He played a key role in various FIFA committees and was respected as a powerful figure in global football governance.
Tributes are pouring in from far and near following Hayatou’s demise, with sports reporters from across Africa expressing their sympathies on social media.