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
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
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.”
Showbiz
Daddy Showkey, Peruzzi, others thrill fans at Felabration
Felabration is an annual cultural festival featuring musical performances, debates, dance, art and fashion.
Heading 5
France’s historic Limoges City Hall burns down amid raging protests
The building was inaugurated in 1883.
World
Several killed, others injured in explosion at Canadian military base
Mr McGuinty said the Canadian military was still investigating the incident.
World
Two killed, 11 hospitalised after woman drives into youth football match in U.S.
The Wichita Police Department confirmed that a 34-year-old woman was arrested at the scene.
Heading 2
Violent protests rock France, about 300 arrested
According to reports, demonstrations by students began in the Paris suburbs in September
World
Protest rages in Albania as students demand resignation of prime minister
The state police director said 167 people had been arrested during the five days of protests.
