Issa Hayatou will be remembered as the first African to serve as FIFA president. The Cameroonian took over from Sepp Blatter after the Swiss was given a 90-day ban in 2015 for misusing FIFA money.

Mr. Blatter was accused of making a two million dollar payment to UEFA President Michel Platini.

Serving as FIFA’s senior Vice-President at the time, Issa Hayatou had to take up the position of interim president. He pledged to dedicate his efforts to the job bestowed on him, indicating that he will not seek the position permanently.

The Cameroonian’s leadership ended in January 2016 when Giani Infantino was elected president. Hayatou contested for the top job in 2002 but lost to Blatter.

The former sports teacher and athlete passes on at 77, with close to four decades of ruling African football and occupying top positions in world sports.

Issa Hayatou had a long kidney illness that required regular dialysis. He died in France on August 8, 2024.

Source : Cameroon News Agency