Issa Hayatou is a Cameroonian athlete, sports enthusiast, and an administrator of the globally accepted game of football. He was also a former Confederation of African Football body CAF president, and one-time FIFA acting president.
Let’s delve into the Issa Hayatou Biography, Career, Controversies, Ban, Family and many more.
Early Life and Athletic Career
Issa Hayatou was born on the 9th of August 1946 and died on the 8th of August, 2024, a day to his birthday. He was a Cameroonian sports executive, athlete, and football administrator.
Hayatou was born in Garoua, which was then part of French Cameroon. His father held the title of a local Sultan, and the Hayatou family were traditional holders of the sultanate in Garoua.
As an athlete, Hayatou excelled in both basketball and athletics. He represented the Cameroonian national squads and held national record times in the 400- and 800-meter running events.
Football Administration
In 1974, at the age of 28, he became the Secretary General of the Cameroonian Football Federation.
He later served as the Chair of the FA from 1986 to 1988.
Hayatou’s political influence extended beyond sports; his brother, Sadou Hayatou, was a former Prime Minister of Cameroon and a high official under President Paul Biya.
FIFA and CAF Presidency
Hayatou ran for the presidency of FIFA in 2002 but was defeated by Sepp Blatter.
He also held a position as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
In 2015, during the FIFA corruption investigation, he served as the acting FIFA president until Gianni Infantino’s election in 2016.
His 29-year reign as the CAF President ended in 2017 when he was defeated by Malagasy challenger Ahmad Ahmad.
After leaving the CAF presidency, he was appointed as the President of the National Football Academy by the president of Cameroon, Paul Biya.
Personal Life
Issa Hayatou was married and had four children.
His family’s political influence continued in northern Cameroon, where they held significant sway.
Unfortunately, Issa Hayatou passed away on August 8, 2024, in Paris, France, at the age of 77. His legacy remains intertwined with African football and sports administration.
