Issa Hayatou, the influential Cameroonian who led the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for nearly three decades, passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday (8 August).
His death marks the end of an era for African football governance, where he served as CAF president from 1988 until 2017.
Here are four facts you probably didn’t know about the sports administrator:
Educator turned leader
Before his illustrious sports career, Hayatou was a trained educator, having earned a professional aptitude certificate in physical and sports education from Yaoundé University in 1973.
He taught at Lycée Leclerc in Yaoundé, shaping young minds before his journey into sports administration.
Multi-sport athlete
Hayatou wasn’t just an administrator but also a skilled athlete. In the 1960s and 1970s, he excelled in athletics, becoming Cameroon’s national champion in the 400m and 800m events.
He also represented Cameroon in basketball and was part of the national athletics team at the inaugural African Games in 1965.
A legacy beyond football
Hayatou’s tenure at CAF was marked by significant milestones, including overseeing numerous African Cup of Nations tournaments and advocating for the continent’s football development.
Besides his CAF presidency, Hayatou held significant roles within the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), including an interim presidency from 2015 to 2016.
His influence extended to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), where he served on various committees, including Women and Sport and the Coordination for the Beijing 2008 Olympics, during his tenure from 2001 to 2017.
Family of influence
Hailing from a prominent Cameroonian family, Hayatou’s older brother, Sadou Hayatou, served as Cameroon’s Prime Minister from 1991 to 1992.
His family’s influence extended into politics and governance, further cementing Issa Hayatou’s legacy in both sports and national affairs.
Issa Hayatou’s contributions to African and global sports governance leave an indelible mark. As the footballing world mourns his loss, his legacy as a leader, athlete, and advocate for African football development will endure.
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