A former President of the Confederation of African Football, Issa Hayatou, is dead

Hayatou’s death was made known by the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, in a Thursday post on his Instagram stories.

Infantino wrote, “Saddened to hear of the passing of former CAF President, former FIFA President and interim, FIFA Vice President and FIFA Council member, Issa Hayatou.

As a passionate sports fan and IOC member, he dedicated his life to sports administration and on behalf of FIFA, and condolences go to his family, friends, former colleagues and all who knew him. Rest in peace.”

Hayatou battled protracted sickness before his death less than 24 hours before his 78th birthday, according to Cameroonian media.

He served as the president of CAF for 29 years, leading the organisation from 1988 until his unexpected ouster in 2017.