The African football world was plunged into mourning with the news of the death of Issa Hayatou, the former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Hayatou, who passed away in Paris on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the age of 77, was a towering figure in the world of sports administration, particularly within the African continent.
Born on August 9, 1946, in Garoua, Cameroon, Issa Hayatou’s journey from a young football enthusiast to one of the most powerful sports administrators in Africa is a story of dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to the development of the game.
Hayatou’s influence on African football cannot be overstated; he served as the President of CAF for nearly three decades, from 1988 to 2017, a period during which African football saw unprecedented growth and recognition on the global stage.
Hayatou’s early life was rooted in sports. He was an accomplished athlete, having played football at a competitive level in Cameroon, and later, he excelled in basketball and track and field. However, it was his administrative prowess that truly set him apart.
After hanging up his boots, Hayatou quickly transitioned into sports administration, where he would go on to make his most significant impact.
In 1988, Hayatou was elected as the President of CAF, a position he held for 29 years. His tenure was marked by transformative changes in African football. One of his most notable achievements was the expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the continent’s premier football tournament.
Under his leadership, the competition grew in both size and stature, becoming a major event on the global football calendar. The tournament expanded from eight teams to 16 in 1996, allowing for more nations to participate and showcasing the depth of talent across Africa.
Hayatou was also instrumental in increasing African representation at the FIFA World Cup. His relentless advocacy for the continent led to the allocation of more World Cup slots for African teams, ensuring that Africa had a stronger presence on football’s biggest stage.
This move was not just about numbers; it was about giving African teams the opportunity to compete and succeed at the highest level. His efforts paid off when Cameroon, his home country, made history in 1990 by reaching the quarterfinals of the World Cup, a feat that significantly raised the profile of African football.
Beyond tournaments, Hayatou’s vision extended to the broader development of football infrastructure across Africa. He championed initiatives to improve stadiums, training facilities, and youth development programs.
He believed that for African football to thrive, it needed a solid foundation, and he worked tirelessly to build that foundation. His work in this area has left a lasting legacy, with many African countries now boasting world-class facilities and youth academies that are producing the next generation of football stars.
Despite his many successes, Hayatou’s tenure was not without controversy. His long reign at CAF was occasionally marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement, particularly in the latter years.
In 2011, he faced scrutiny over a controversial television rights deal, and in 2015, he was implicated in the FIFA corruption scandal. Although he denied any wrongdoing, these incidents cast a shadow over his legacy. Nevertheless, his contributions to African football remain undeniable, and his impact on the sport is still felt today.
Hayatou’s influence extended beyond the African continent. In 2002, he ran for the presidency of FIFA, challenging the then-incumbent Sepp Blatter. Although he did not win, his candidacy highlighted the growing influence of African football on the global stage.
Later, in 2015, he was appointed as the Acting President of FIFA following the suspension of Sepp Blatter, making him the first African to hold that position, even if only temporarily. This role underscored his standing in world football and his ability to navigate the complex landscape of global sports governance.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences, saying, “Issa Hayatou was a giant of African football and a respected figure in the global football family. His contributions to the development of the game in Africa are immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed.”
The Confederation of African Football also issued a statement, praising Hayatou’s “extraordinary leadership and dedication to the growth of African football.”
