By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The global football community is in mourning following the death of former Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Issa Hayatou. The legendary administrator passed away on August 8 in Paris on the eve of his 78th birthday after a prolonged illness.
Hayatou, who led CAF for an impressive 29 years from 1988 to 2017, was a towering figure in African football. His influence extended beyond the continent as he also served as interim FIFA President from 2015 to 2016 during Sepp Blatter’s suspension.
Tributes have poured in from across the world, recognizing Hayatou’s immense contribution to the growth of African football. CAF President Patrice Motsepe described him as a “great man” whose legacy will forever be cherished.
“CAF and African football will forever be grateful to President Hayatou for his enormous and far-reaching contributions, over many years to the development and growth of football in Africa,” Motsepe said. As a mark of respect, CAF has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast until August 13.
Football icons and leaders have joined in expressing their condolences. FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a message hailed Hayatou as a “passionate sports fan” who dedicated his life to sports administration. Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter described him as a “great fighter for African football and longtime companion.”
The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) hailed Issa Hayatou as one of the greatest sports leaders of all time. FECAFOOT President, Samuel Eto’o, expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “Issa Hayatou! A true Indomitable Lion has departed.”
Eto’o further emphasized Hayatou’s enduring legacy: “He leaves behind an immeasurable legacy. A solid foundation upon which to build an African football that commands greater respect and prominence on the global stage.”
The Nigerian Football Federation and the Ghanaian Football Federation both recognized his visionary leadership in advancing African football.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu added his voice to the chorus of tributes, highlighting Hayatou’s role in developing football in Africa and beyond. Former Football Kenya Federation President Sam Nyamweya credited Hayatou for playing a pivotal role in bringing the World Cup to Africa for the first time in 2010 and for leading Cameroon to become the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in 1990.
Hayatou’s legacy as a strong, influential leader who shaped the course of African football will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.
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