Legendary African football leader Issa Hayatou dies at 77

Issa Hayatou, the towering figure who helmed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for nearly three decades, has passed away just shy of his 78th birthday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino broke the news on Instagram Thursday, expressing profound sorrow at the loss of the former CAF President, interim FIFA President, and enduring FIFA Council member.

“Saddened to hear of the passing of former CAF President, former FIFA President and interim, FIFA Vice President and FIFA Council member, Issa Hayatou,” Infantino wrote, encapsulating the collective grief of the global football community.

Hayatou’s demise follows a prolonged illness that had kept the football legend away from the public eye. His storied career saw him lead CAF from 1988 until his unexpected ouster in 2017. Under his stewardship, African football saw unprecedented growth and global recognition.

In 2015, Hayatou stepped in as acting FIFA president following Sepp Blatter’s suspension, showcasing his leadership in a turbulent period for the world’s football governing body. Though he faced a one-year ban from FIFA in 2021 due to ethics violations, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the decision in 2022, reaffirming his legacy.

Before his illustrious administrative career, Hayatou was an accomplished athlete, excelling in track and field as well as basketball, reflecting his deep-rooted passion for sports.

The passing of Issa Hayatou marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that has indelibly shaped African and global football.