Issa Hayatou, former FIFA president, dies at 77
- Issa Hayatou, a former FIFA interim president and influential figure in African soccer, has died at the age of 77.
- He led African football for 29 years and played a significant role in the development of the sport on the continent.
- His passing marks the end of an era for soccer in Africa and the global football community.
PARIS (AP) — Issa Hayatou, the influential figure in African soccer and interim FIFA president during the 2015 corruption crisis, passed away on Thursday at the age of 77. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences on Instagram, highlighting Hayatou's dedication to sports administration and his impact on the soccer community. Hayatou's legacy extends beyond soccer, as he was also a member of the International Olympic Committee for 15 years. Born in Cameroon, Hayatou initially made his mark as a national champion runner before transitioning to soccer administration. He was elected president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1988 and quickly ascended to the FIFA vice presidency. His leadership faced challenges, particularly during the 2015 corruption investigations that led to the downfall of several high-profile soccer officials, including then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Hayatou served as interim president for four months, guiding FIFA through a period of reform. In 2017, Hayatou's nearly three-decade tenure at CAF ended when he lost an election to Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar, who was backed by Infantino. Following his departure, Hayatou faced scrutiny from FIFA's ethics committee and was banned from soccer for one year in 2021 due to alleged misconduct related to a commercial rights deal. Hayatou hailed from a prominent family in Cameroon, with his brother Sadou having served as prime minister in the early 1990s.