Issa Hayatou, the longest-serving president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has died at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness. The Cameroonian football administrator died on Thursday, leaving behind a legacy that has significantly shaped African football.
Hayatou led CAF for nearly three decades, from 1988 until 2017. During his tenure, African football saw substantial growth, with the Africa Cup of Nations becoming a premier continental sporting event.
However, his leadership was also marked by controversy, particularly concerning governance and financial management issues. Despite facing allegations of corruption, Hayatou consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In addition to his role at CAF, Hayatou briefly served as acting FIFA president from 2015 to 2016, stepping in after Sepp Blatter’s suspension. His influence extended beyond football; he was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2016 and was later granted honorary membership.
However, Hayatou’s career was not without its challenges. In 2011, he was reprimanded by the IOC following a BBC Panorama report that alleged he had received approximately $20,000 from the now-defunct sports marketing company ISL in 1995. Hayatou maintained that the money was a gift for his confederation, denying any corruption.
Despite his accomplishments, Hayatou’s leadership style often drew criticism for being authoritarian and resistant to change. He famously challenged Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency in 2002 but was defeated as many African nations shifted their support to the Swiss candidate.
Issa Hayatou’s impact on football and sports administration is undeniable, with his contributions leaving a lasting influence across Africa and beyond.
