The late Issa Hayatou, former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and chairman of Anafoot, was laid to rest on Friday, August 16, 2024 in his hometown of Garoua, Cameroon.
The funeral drew a significant gathering, including notable figures from the football world, who paid their last respects to a man widely regarded as a titan of African football.
Among those who offered tributes was Tarek Bouchamaoui, a former member of the CAF and FIFA Executive Committees and a close advisor to Hayatou during his presidency.
Bouchamaoui spoke with deep emotion about his late colleague, reflecting on both his leadership qualities and their personal bond.
“Football will be secondary today,” Bouchamaoui said. “All fans of African football, and football in general, are in mourning. I will always remember the unfailing friendship and fraternity that bound us together.
“You were not only a great leader but also an emblematic President of the most illustrious body in African football. Your strategic vision and leadership were pivotal in developing the sport, popularising it, and establishing an unprecedented sporting and financial base.”
Bouchamaoui also praised Hayatou’s personal virtues, noting, “I have always appreciated your values, your human qualities, and your unwavering passion for developing football. Your ability to inspire and motivate those around you was palpable.”
In his heartfelt tribute, Bouchamaoui extended his condolences to the Hayatou family and the broader football community.
“Your loss is a blow to the world of football in general, but your legacy will live on. You were a man of great values, friendship, honesty, and ethics. Your integrity and dedication to the African continent have left an indelible mark on all who worked with you.”
He concluded with a message of support for those mourning Hayatou’s passing: “At this difficult time, my thoughts are with your family, your friends, and the entire football community, who mourn the loss of a true leader.
“I send my most sincere condolences to your family and friends, to all CAF bodies, and to all the African football federations, and to everyone involved in amateur and professional football throughout the world.”
The funeral was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, former footballer Samuel Eto’o, and several African football federation presidents.
Their presence marked the profound impact Hayatou had on the sport and the sense of loss felt across the continent.
