Late Issa Hayatou: 7 things Africa will remember about the transformative CAF president

Africa's football landscape was profoundly shaped by Issa Hayatou during his nearly three-decade tenure as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

From his ambitious reforms to his contentious decisions, Hayatou's legacy is a tapestry of significant achievements and controversies.

As a steadfast leader, he wielded considerable influence, not only within CAF but also on the global stage through FIFA and the International Olympic Committee.

His contributions to African football were as impactful as they were enduring, making him a pivotal figure in the sport's administration on the continent.

Perhaps one of Hayatou's most visible impacts was the expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Under his leadership, the tournament grew from eight teams to sixteen, allowing more nations to participate in Africa's premier football competition.

This expansion not only increased the tournament's competitiveness but also its appeal and footprint, helping to elevate African football on the world stage.

Hayatou's insistence on keeping the tournament in the January-February slot, despite strong pushback from European clubs, underscored his commitment to African priorities.

Hayatou was instrumental in introducing several new competitions under the CAF umbrella, which played a crucial role in developing the game across different demographics.

Notable among these were the Women’s, Under-17, and Under-20 versions of the Africa Cup of Nations, which provided a platform for nurturing young and female talent on the continent.

The African Nations Championship, created to spotlight domestic-based players, further exemplified his vision for a more inclusive and representative African football ecosystem.

When Hayatou took the reins at CAF, the organization was financially unstable.

By the time he left, CAF was significantly more robust, with reserves reported at around $130 million.

This financial turnaround was critical in ensuring that CAF could fund its various programs and initiatives, reducing its dependency on external funding and enhancing its bargaining power on the international stage.

Hayatou's focus on securing lucrative broadcasting and sponsorship deals was a testament to his foresight and administrative acumen.

Under Hayatou’s presidency, Africa's representation in global football saw significant enhancement.

He was a key figure in negotiating increased slots for African teams at the FIFA World Cup, rising from two in 1990 to five by 1998.

This increase not only provided more opportunities for African nations to compete on the world's biggest football stage but also affirmed the continent's growing prowess and potential in the sport.

Hayatou's tenure as a FIFA vice-president and brief period as acting president of FIFA were marked by his strong defense of African interests.

His advocacy was crucial in bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa, marking the first time the tournament was held on African soil.

His leadership was pivotal in navigating the complex dynamics of international football politics to secure this historic milestone for Africa.

Despite his many achievements, Hayatou's career was not without its controversies.

He was implicated in several scandals, including accusations of accepting bribes and mismanaging funds.

These incidents blemished his reputation, but also highlighted the complex challenges and ethical dilemmas often encountered at the highest levels of sports administration.

His responses to these challenges were mixed, with some actions leading to criticism and others to quiet rectification efforts.

The 2010 Togo team bus attack during the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola was a critical test of Hayatou’s leadership.

His management of the crisis, including the controversial decision to ban Togo from subsequent tournaments, drew international criticism.

However, his ability to mobilize support quickly for the victims showed a capacity for decisive action in emergencies, reflecting his complex legacy as a leader capable of both controversial and commendable decisions.