Issa Hayatou, a towering figure in African and global soccer administration, passed away on August 8, 2024, in Paris at the age of 77.

Issa Hayatou, ‘The King of African Soccer,’ Passes Away at 77

His passing marks the end of an era in African football, where he was a key figure for nearly three decades.

Legacy in African Football

Hayatou served as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from 1988 to 2017, earning him the moniker "the Emperor of African Soccer." by NYTIMES During his tenure, he significantly elevated the status and visibility of African football on the global stage.

Key Achievements

Increased African World Cup representation from 2 to 5 places

Expanded the African Cup of Nations from 8 to 16 teams

Introduced new competitions like the African Nations Championship (CHAN)

Oversaw the first World Cup hosted in Africa (South Africa 2010)

Global Soccer Influence

Hayatou's influence extended beyond Africa, holding significant positions in FIFA and the International Olympic Committee:

FIFA Executive Committee member (1990-2017)

FIFA Vice President

Acting FIFA President (October 2015 - February 2016)

IOC member (2001-2016)

Controversies and Challenges

Despite his achievements, Hayatou's career was not without controversy:

Faced allegations of bribery related to World Cup television rights in the 1990s

Implicated in the ISL scandal, receiving $20,000 which he claimed was a gift for CAF

Accused of accepting bribes for Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid, though these allegations were unproven

Personal Background

Born in Garoua, Cameroon, Hayatou was the son of a local ruler. In his youth, he was a national track champion in the 400m and 800m events and represented Cameroon in basketball.

 His journey in sports administration began in 1974 when he became the Secretary General of the Cameroonian Football Federation at just 28 years old1.

Legacy and Impact

Hayatou's passing has been met with tributes from across the soccer world. Despite controversies, he is widely credited with transforming African football, increasing its global recognition, and fighting to establish the continent as an equal to traditional soccer powerhouses in Europe and South America.

His tenure saw African football transition from relative obscurity to a significant force in global soccer, with increased competitiveness, improved infrastructure, and greater financial stability for CAF. Hayatou's legacy is complex, marked by both significant advancements for African soccer and allegations of impropriety that shadowed his later years in office.