CAF chief Issa Hayatou seeks to extend his presidency to more than 30 years

14 January 2017 - 15:37 By REUTERS
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
CAF President Issa Hayatou.
CAF President Issa Hayatou.
Image: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Issa Hayatou is seeking another four-year term as the Confederation of African Football's president to extend his grip on a position he has held since 1988, the organisation said on Friday.

Cameroonian Hayatou, 70, will face a rare challenge, however, after executive committee member Ahmad, from Madagascar, declared his candidacy for the election to be held at the CAF Congress in two months' time.

CAF last year brought in new rules limiting the presidency to just three four-year terms.

The ruling, however, only applies since it was passed in September, meaning Hayatou could extend his tenure by 12 years.

  • Africa Cup of Nations hosts Gabon must overcome nerves to make winning startHosts Gabon must overcome nerves and a little-known opponent as they seek to get off to a winning start when the Africa Cup of Nations finals opens with two matches on Saturday.
  • Afcon: How they line up in GabonWith the third Test at the Wanderers on the go, what are the odds for the Proteas to make it a clean sweep and win the Test series 3-0? 

Hayatou, who is also the senior FIFA vice president, was elected unopposed at CAF's Congress in Marrakech in 2013 and has only twice previously faced opposition, winning re-election easily on each occasion.

The next election is in Addis Ababa on March 16.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now