African football community in mourning as former CAF President Issa Hayatou dies in Paris

The African football community is grieving the loss of Issa Hayatou, the former CAF President, who passed away in Paris on Thursday.

A legendary figure in African sports, Hayatou’s transformative leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on African football.

Born in Garoua, Cameroon in 1946, Hayatou was a former footballer turned influential sports administrator, shaping the continent’s football landscape during his 29-year tenure as CAF President (1988-2017).

Under his visionary leadership, African football flourished, marked by the expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations, increased FIFA World Cup participation, and improved football infrastructure across the continent.

Hayatou also held the position of interim President of FIFA from October 2015 to February 2016, stepping in after the suspension of Sepp Blatter. His brief leadership at FIFA came during one of the most turbulent times in the organization’s history, yet he managed to steer it through a crucial period with his characteristic calm and authority.

Hayatou’s demise has left an unfillable gap in the football universe, particularly in Africa, where he was a guiding light, mentor, and pioneer.

His selfless contributions to African football have created a enduring impact that will resonate for generations. As the African football community pays its respects, messages of condolence have poured in from far and wide, celebrating Hayatou’s transformative influence in propelling African football onto the world stage. Issa Hayatou’s death marks the end of an era for African football.

His contributions will forever be etched in the annals of the sport, and his loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him and appreciated his work.