Fatshimetrie is a newspaper that keeps us informed about world news, and one of its recent publications shocked the football world by announcing the death of former Confederation of African Football president Issa Hayatou. The event, which took place in Paris, not only marked the end of an era, but also revived memories of his controversial reign at the helm of CAF.
Issa Ayatou, the son of a sultan and a former athlete, dominated the African football scene for almost three decades, from 1988 to 2017. His imprint on CAF was profound, characterized both by significant advances for African football on a global scale, but also by scandals and controversies. His authoritarian style and his maneuvers to sideline his political rivals have left indelible scars in the history of the African football governing body.
Despite his achievements, including his brief FIFA presidency due to Sepp Blatter’s suspension, Issa Ayatou has also been tainted by corruption and bribery scandals. His temporary suspension by FIFA in 2021 for breaching his duty of loyalty in a contract with Lagardère Sports tarnished his reputation, although the Court of Arbitration for Sport eventually cleared him. His defeat to Malagasy Ahmad Ahmad in the 2017 CAF presidential election marked the end of his long career in African football.
Born in Garoua, Cameroon, Issa Ayatou has etched his name in the history of African football as an iconic figure, but his tumultuous journey has also sparked debate and criticism. His death at the age of 78 in Paris represents the end of an era and a new page in the history of African football.
In conclusion, Issa Hayatou will be remembered as a complex figure, both visionary and controversial, whose legacy provokes reflections on the power and management of football in Africa. His passing marks the end of an important chapter in the history of the continental sport, but also raises questions about the future of CAF and African football as a whole.