Infantino's predecessor

Former FIFA boss Issa Hayatou dead

Issa Hayatou, the former interim president of the world soccer association FIFA, is dead. The Cameroonian died on the eve of his 78th birthday in Paris. 

Following the suspension of Switzerland's Sepp Blatter in October 2015, Hayatou was interim FIFA President - until Infantino was elected into office at the end of February 2016. Hayatou, active as an athlete, basketball player and footballer in his youth, also led the African Football Confederation (CAF) from 1988 to 2017 and was an IOC member.

"As a passionate sports fan and IOC member, he dedicated his life to sports administration and FIFA. My condolences go out to his family, friends, former colleagues and all who knew him. Rest in peace," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in tribute to his predecessor at the helm of the world governing body.