Issa Hayatou, Longtime Leader of African Football, Dies at 77

Former African football president, Issa Hayatou, passed away on Thursday one day before his 78th birthday. Serving as the head of the Confederation of African Football for 29 years, he also took on the role of acting FIFA president in 2015-2016. His career included significant controversies and administrative achievements.

Issa Hayatou, the former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), died on Thursday one day before his 78th birthday, Cameroon television confirmed. The Cameroonian football figurehead led CAF for an impressive 29 years, from 1988 until his unexpected ouster in 2017.

Hayatou additionally served as acting FIFA president between 2015 and 2016, following the suspension of Sepp Blatter by the world football governing body. With connections reaching the highest levels of both football and government, Hayatou was an influential sports administrator and held a seat on the International Olympic Committee from 2001 until 2016, later becoming an honorary member.

Despite his long tenure, Hayatou's career was not without controversy. In 2011, he faced disciplinary action from the IOC over alleged involvement in a bribery scandal tied to FIFA, receiving a reprimand related to payments from the now-defunct sports marketing firm ISL. Although he denied any wrongdoing, the scandal marred his otherwise noted advocacy for African football. Hayatou also ran unsuccessfully for the FIFA presidency in 2002, losing to Sepp Blatter.

(With inputs from agencies.)