At the age of 77, Issa Hayatou, the former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), passed away in Paris on Thursday, August 8, 2024, just a day before what would have been his 78th birthday.
Hayatou, who played a crucial role in shaping African football for decades, held prominent positions including interim FIFA president, FIFA vice president, and FIFA council member.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino honored Hayatou in an Instagram post, describing him as a dedicated sports enthusiast who spent his life in sports administration. Infantino extended condolences on behalf of FIFA to Hayatou’s family, friends, former colleagues, and all who knew him, ending with “Rest in peace.”
Hayatou’s leadership spanned from 1988 to 2017, during which he significantly impacted African football. Notably, under his tenure, South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup, the first time an African nation had the honor.
