By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou, who passed away on August 9 in Paris, France, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Garoua, North Region of Cameroon.
Cameroon’s President, Paul Biya, was represented at the funeral by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi. Also in attendance were CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, among other dignitaries.
On behalf of President Biya, Minister Mouelle Kombi conferred honors on Hayatou’s remains. In his tribute, Dr. Motsepe hailed the deceased as a great figure who made significant contributions to African football. He stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen African football’s structures, a cause Hayatou championed throughout his career.
Addressing the ongoing conflict between the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education and FECAFOOT, Dr. Motsepe appealed to FECAFOOT President, Samuel Eto’o to collaborate with the government, particularly the Ministry of Sports.
On his part, Gianni Infantino described Issa Hayatou as “an ambassador for football in the world.” He added, “He knew how to take the helm of FIFA in 2015 when our boat was sailing in rough seas, and he steered us back to calm waters, just before I was elected President in 2016. He was a great figure, a great gentleman, a great friend.”
Infantino further stated, “We always say that football unites people, regardless of their origin. Issa Hayatou, with his remarkable and world-acclaimed work, knew how to contribute to this unity. He surely was an ambassador for Cameroon and an ambassador for football in the world. He was an ambassador of great values such as family and unity, and this is what brings all of us together here today.”
As former President of FECAFOOT, Issa Hayatou served as CAF President for 29 years from 1988 to 2017. He was a FIFA Council member from 1990 to 2017 and a FIFA Vice President. Additionally, he was an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member from 2001 to 2016, after which he became an IOC Honorary Member.
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