Passing away of Issa Hayatou
Africa loses a great man

The sudden passing away of Issa Hayatou, a multi-award-winning sportsman, former FIFA President, former IOC member, President of the Confederation of African Football, is a cruel loss for his loved ones and family but also for the entire continental sports movement.

When I took over as President of CAF in March 2017, I realised the exceptional extent of his influence on the world of football. Leaders, players, partners, employees of the Confederation, everyone had a direct link with him. He was omnipresent and guaranteed the preservation of the fundamental ideals of African football.

Our continent has lost a man of conviction and determination.

He was my President when I was elected to the Executive Committee and we maintained long-standing relations of frank camaraderie.

Today I want to pay tribute with the greatest respect to the memory of this man who devoted three quarters of his life to sport and mainly to football. Also tell African youth and future generations that big brother Issa will forever remain the man who built and brought about major transformations in our football and that he will never be able to fade from the great history of this movement of time that passes and carries away our memories.

To his wife, his children and grandchildren, his family and all his loved ones, I offer them from the bottom of my heart, my most sincere and saddened condolences
and pray for the peace of his soul.

Ahmad Ahmad

Madagascar MP
Former CAF  President