The late Issa Hayatou, former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), passed away at the age of 77 in Paris on Thursday, August 8, 2024, a day before his 78th birthday.
A key figure in African football for decades, Hayatou was lauded by Fifa president Gianni Infantino as a passionate sports fan. Infantino expressed his sadness and condolences, recognizing Hayatou's significant contributions to sports administration.
Issa Hayatou presided over African football from 1988 to 2017 and served as the interim FIFA President from 2015 to 2016 during a turbulent period in FIFA's history.
Under his leadership, South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup, marking the first time an African nation hosted the prestigious tournament. His legacy as a leader and his dedication to sports administration leave a lasting impact on the football community.