The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has expressed its condolences following the death of Issah Hayatou, the former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who passed away at the age of 77.

Hayatou, the longest-serving leader in African football history, died on Thursday, August 8, 2024, in Paris, just a day before his birthday.

Tributes have been pouring in for Hayatou, who led CAF from 1988 until March 2017. The Ghana FA has joined many others in mourning the loss of the esteemed former CAF president.

“The Ghana Football Association mourns the passing of former CAF President Issa Hayatou, who led CAF from 1988 to 2017. His visionary leadership played a crucial role in advancing African football. Our deepest condolences go to his family and the football community. Rest in peace, President Hayatou,” the GFA wrote on Instagram.

Hayatou's tenure in African football leadership spanned nearly three decades. In 2017, he was succeeded by Malagasy Ahmad Ahmad, followed by Patrice Motsepe.

In addition to his role at CAF, Hayatou briefly served as interim President of FIFA from October 2015 to February 2016, following the suspension of Sepp Blatter. During his interim leadership, he oversaw the FIFA elections that brought the current President, Gianni Infantino, into office.