Issa Hayatou, the long-serving former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), passed away on Thursday at the age of 77.
Hayatou held the CAF presidency for an impressive 29 years, from 1988 to 2017. He was succeeded by Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar.
Beyond his role at CAF, Hayatou also served as interim President of FIFA in 2015-2016 following the suspension of Sepp Blatter. He oversaw the FIFA elections that brought Gianni Infantino to the helm of world football’s governing body.
“We have lost a remarkable leader, a man who devoted his life to the advancement of football in Africa,” a CAF spokesperson remarked as quoted by Cameroon concord.
“His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to further develop the sport on the continent.”
