Mr Tarek Bouchamaoui, a former member of the CAF and FIFA Executive Committees, has described Issa Hayatou’s passing as a big blow to football world.

Hayatou, the longest-serving CAF President, passed away in Paris, France, on Thursday, August 8, 2024, sending shock waves to the football fraternity.

Mr. Bouchamaoui, who was a former advisor to Hayatou, said that he will always remember the unfailing friendship that bonded them together.

‘Your strategic vision and leadership have been major assets in developing football, popularising it and giving it an unprecedented sporting and financial base.

‘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. Your loss is a blow to the world of football in general, but your legacy will live on..Sleep well, my mentor, my friend, my father ,’ he said in an interview.

He also expressed condolences to the families and friends, CAF bodies, a
nd all the African football federations for this big loss.

Source: Ghana News Agency