By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Football legend and former President of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, Cameroonian born Issa Hayatou has died.
Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) announced on Twitter that Issa Hayatou, former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), died in Paris, France, on August 7, on the eve of his 78th birthday. He passed away after a long illness.
Born on August 9, 1946, in Garoua, Hayatou dedicated over three decades to African and world football, leaving an enduring legacy of leadership and commitment. As CAF president from 1988 to 2017, he was instrumental in the growth and recognition of African football.
Under his guidance, CAF experienced significant development, marked by improved infrastructure, professionalized leagues, and increased funding for African competitions.
A young Issa Hayatou excelled in athletics and became Cameroon champion in the 400 and 800 metres, even taking part in the first-ever All-Africa Games in Brazzaville in 1965. At the same time, he was a member of the Cameroon national basketball team and a university football international in 1964 and 1971.
After this successful athletic career, he went on to become a physical education and sports teacher in Yaoundé, but only practiced the profession for a year. In 1974, he became general secretary of the Cameroon Football Federation.
In 1984, he became vice president of the Cameroon Football Federation. Two years later, he ascended to the presidency of FECAFOOT while simultaneously joining the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football. He has also been interim FIFA President from 2015 – 2016 after Sepp Blatter was suspended.
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