Former CAF president Issa Hayatou is dead
Issa Hayatou, a key figure in African football, has died on Thursday, August 8, 2024, just a day shy of his 78th birthday.
The Cameroonian administrator led the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for nearly three decades, from 1988 to 2017.
CAF has mourned the loss of a “great leader” who dedicated his life to developing the sport in Africa. Tributes have poured in from across the continent and the world, recognising Hayatou’s immense contribution to the sport.
Hayatou was instrumental in elevating African football on the global stage. Under his leadership, the number of African teams qualifying for the FIFA World Cup increased from two to five. His crowning achievement was securing the 2010 World Cup for South Africa, making history as the first African nation to host the tournament.
Beyond CAF, Hayatou served as FIFA’s senior vice president for several terms and even stepped in as interim president during a turbulent period. His influence extended to the International Olympic Committee, where he held an honorary membership.
While his tenure was not without controversy, his legacy as a pioneer of African football is undeniable.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Hunger affecting breast milk quality, quantity; exclusive breatfeeding difficult: Bauchi Mothers
Several nursing mothers in an interview lamented the hardship they are enduring in Nigeria.
Politics
Hold accountable raiders of NLC HQ, TUC tells Tinubu’s govt
TUC said the invasion was an overreach by security forces, a direct threat to the rights of Nigerians.
Anti-Corruption
Alleged N57.4 billion Fraud: Kano govt files fresh charge against Ganduje
Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has been roiled in several corruption scandal.
Africa
African countries to declare public health emergency over mpox
This move followed WHO’s July 23, 2022, declaration of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern.
Anti-Corruption
Mozambique’s ex-finance minister convicted of $2 billion fraud, faces 20 years’ imprisonment
Mr Chang received bribes in exchange for signing guarantees on behalf of Mozambique to secure funding for three loans for maritime projects.
Politics
Trump, Harris face off September 10 in U.S. presidential debate
The debate is expected to reveal more about Ms Harris than Mr Trump.
