Issa Hayatou, the former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has passed away in Paris on Thursday, August 8, 2024, just a day before his 78th birthday. His death was announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino through an Instagram post.
Infantino expressed his condolences, noting Hayatou’s significant contributions to sports administration as a former CAF President, FIFA interim President, Vice President, and Council member. He stated, “Saddened to hear of the passing of former CAF President, former FIFA President and interim, FIFA Vice President and FIFA Council member, Issa Hayatou. As a passionate sports fan and IOC member, he dedicated his life to sports administration. On behalf of FIFA, condolences go to his family, friends, former colleagues, and all who knew him. Rest in peace.”
Hayatou had been battling a prolonged illness before his death. He led CAF for 29 years, from 1988 until 2017, when he was unexpectedly ousted.
