Tributes pour in for ex-CAF President Hayatou

PARIS, FRANCE: IN a poignant moment for the footballing world, tributes have flowed in for Issa Hayatou, the former long-serving president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who has passed away at the age of 77.

Hayatou, a towering figure in international football, died on Thursday in Paris.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among the first to pay tribute, honouring Hayatou’s extensive contributions to the sport.

“Saddened to hear of the passing of former CAF President, former FIFA President ad interim, FIFA Vice-President and FIFA Council member, Issa Hayatou,” Infantino said.

“As a passionate sports fan and IOC Member, he dedicated his life to sports administration and on behalf of FIFA, my condolences go to his family, friends, former colleagues and all who knew him. Rest in peace.”

President of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, also expressed deep sorrow over Hayatou’s death.

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“I express my deepest personal condolences and the condolences of the 54 CAF Member Associations on the passing of CAF former President, President Issa Hayatou,” said Motsepe.

“CAF and African football will forever be grateful to President Hayatou for his enormous and far-reaching contributions to the development and growth of football in Africa. He will forever live in our hearts and minds.”

Hayatou’s remarkable tenure at the helm of CAF spanned 29 years, from 1988 to 2017, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of African football.

His influence extended beyond continental boundaries, as he also served as a FIFA Council member from 1990 to 2017 and had a notable stint as FIFA President ad interim from October 2015 to February 2016, following Sepp Blatter’s suspension.

In recognition of Hayatou’s legacy, President Motsepe has called for the CAF flag and those of all CAF Member Associations to fly at half-mast for five days, until August 13, 2024.

Hayatou’s contributions to football were not limited to CAF; he also held an esteemed position as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member from 2001 to 2016 and was honoured as an IOC Honorary Member thereafter.

His passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply across the global football community.

As the world reflects on his immense impact, Hayatou’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of football administrators and enthusiasts.