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Hayatou must leave CAF now

Hayatou must leave CAF now

Posted: 2010-02-01 09:32

CAF President Issa Hayatou was apparently good in basketball; so good he was a member of the Cameroon national basketball team for the first All Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo in 1965. And that’s where he should have remained.

I wrote this an angry man in the middle of the night after the Togolese national team was banned from the next two Africa Cup of Nations editions (2012 and 2014), and were fined a massive $50 000.

Their fault; their bus was attacked by a terrorist group called Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) and their government pulled the team out of the tournament. It was “government interference” that CAF took into consideration when banning Emmanuel Adebayor and company from the next two Afcons.

What kind of leader is this? That you get shot at and you get a ban and a massive fine.

Hayatou’s decisions always baffle the mind. There are exceptions to every rule and Togo is. People’s lives are more important that some rule book gathering dust somewhere.

A few days ago, he said he “did not want the Nations Cup to be played in the same year as the World Cup or the European Championship, but that the event would remain in January”.

The January issue has for some time been affecting lots of African players at European teams.

The fact is these players earn a fortune from these teams. In fact, from what they make from winning an Afcon is what some earn in a week at their European clubs.

Portsmouth coach Avram Grant was quoted saying before the Afcon that: “I don’t know why Fifa allow this. I don’t know why they have the African Cup of Nations in January. We pay a lot of money, especially the big teams, to players who are not with you for two months. I think Fifa need to think about this.”

Hayatou, in turn, says: “We will do things the African way; we won’t be pushed into changing the Afcon dates.”

Good leaders are not arrogant. Take the Togo decision and the Afcon dates issue ... is Hayatou a good leader?

Anyway, he is remembered for having fallen asleep during a World Cup match in France 1998, which was picked up by television cameras.

If it is basketball you love Mr Hayatou, it is not too late to change. You are only 63 years old and Fifa President Sepp Blatter is 73, therefore you still have a decade or more to make your mark in Basketball administration.

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Thabang [The KHOSI One]: 2010-02-01 10:17

TTM, spot on my friend. What happened to the saying "Blood is thicker than water". This Issa guy's mind must be examined. As we thought disqualifying Togo from the competition was the climax of his insanity, he now shows no mercy and his peak arrogance by additional 2 AFCONs ban. What would have happened if his countrymen were the ones who were attacked and his brother one of the guys who died? This guy is a total disgrace and the so called his advisers are even worse.

Togo must lodge an appeal with FIFA. FIFA’s principle of fair play has been infringed; how do you expect one to play the beautiful game with a bullet in one’s head?

April 2001 Ellis Park stadium disaster is a perfect example: If Issa were PSL boss, he’d have forced that Chiefs-Pirates game to go ahead with 43 lifeless bodies set around the pitch. This guy is so inhuman and African football needs leaders not some self-centred individuals.

The KHOSI One

Thabang [The KHOSI One]: 2010-02-01 10:28

TTM, is it possible for african people to patition for this guy to leave CAF? My head cannot take this nonsense.

He does not own African football, african people do. He must quit, period.

The KHOSI One

Wandile : 2010-02-01 10:30

Besides banning/disqualifying teams, producing corrupt officials, making absolute fools of themselves, what has CAF done for African football that we could sing home about?

TTM: 2010-02-01 10:34

Eish bafowethu, we basically don't have the right leaders in football.

eucharia: 2010-02-01 10:50

I whole heartedly agree with you TTM. Each time Issa Hayatou issues one of his weighty pronouncements I go through a host of emotions from cringing embarrassment to incredulity to rage . He is a living example of what is wrong with African football. Seriously enough is enough when does his tenure end!!!!!!

Eucharia

Settler: 2010-02-01 10:55

CAF is a disgrace to Africa because there's no sense of leadership in them but to prove a point that they'll not listen to Europeans, he's got so much hatred for Europe that his hatred and arrogance has clouded his objectives and all that at the expense of poor Africa countries I think is about time that Africa sees Hayatou of what he really is a"Dog" sis man!!!!!!!!

TTM: 2010-02-01 10:59

eucharia: 2010-02-01 10:50
I couldn't agree with you more, boet. What a rubbish leader.

TTM: 2010-02-01 11:01

Settler: 2010-02-01 10:55
I agree man. I think it is across the board. We basically don't have the right leaders.

Settler: 2010-02-01 11:04

My fellow African brothers and sister let's keep beating this drum maybe its noise will vibrate in the ears of those who can still listen and knowing characters like Issa Hayatou he'll be convinced that now that the AFCON is over everything will be forgotten so please banabeso let's make all the neccesary noise and spread words that Hayatou is not Welcome in South Africa or any other country that sympathizes with Togo.

bawa: 2010-02-01 11:16

What kind of leader is this? You get shot at and you get a ban for two CANS and a massive fine and you burry the dead with one man still in the hospital with bullets!This man is a VAMPIRE.Basket ball is quite different from football.Leave the CAF!You have already given Cameroun many chances and cups including Konan Coulibaly's penalty against Egypt in Cameroun for GERMANY 2006!**** Upp!

Settler: 2010-02-01 11:30

TTM and eucharia let's keep the fire burning,we'll condemn Hayatou until our demands are met.

Don Gagun: 2010-02-01 13:08

This IDIOT is a DISGRACE to Africa who must never be be voted into football hierachy again. All African Football Associations should come together and call for his axing or we should boycott all tournaments that Togo are banned from! Sis, this French-speaking asshole.

Baba: 2010-02-01 13:24

Yes, what kind of leader is this? Issa Hayatou should go back to basketball, we africans are tired of this long humiliation. He was very wrong to have pronounced a sanctions on Togo national team. I think somebody should ask HAYATOU this that, if he had lost his firstborn child on the eve of the opening ceremony of just concluded nations cup in Angola, would he be able to attend the occasion....or, how would he feel? Anyway, I don't blame him, he's so corrupt as a Camerounian, and what do you expect from this monster of a man. HAYATOU, GO NOW!!!

Gatyeni: 2010-02-01 13:54

Issa does it again. Who elected this guy to presidency? Ohh it must be SAFA, who else can elect a complete fool?

jabu: 2010-02-01 15:15

I've never liked him 1 bit,Nothern Africa always gets preferential treatment,20 years in Power what do you have to show for it,I wonder how much the ACN winners take home, i think it is not even close to ur domestic cup here,ACN should be played after 4 years not 2 and maybe that is why the standard has dropped so much, I wonder who represents the Southern Region there, Ismail Bhamjee came close to winning the presidential elections but our fellow SAFA didn't vote for him, it is a disgrac, CAF is another Zimbabwe(Mugabe).from Basket ball to governing African football , ya politics all the way

Sfiso M: 2010-02-01 15:16

This french speaking guy from Cameroon should be banned from South Africa during the 2010 world cup, South Africans should patition against him from attending the showpiece. CAF is supposedly affiliated to FIFA ,who, preaches the FIFA fair play, is that only limited to the play field?

Sfiso M: 2010-02-01 15:20

On a second thought all associations who sympathise with Togo should ban themselves from the AFCON 2012 and 2014 and pay Issa Hayatou & his friends $50 000.

jabu: 2010-02-01 15:23

all the teams especially in the southern region should boycott the ACN till Togo is re-instated, I am saying the Southern region cause i know , North won't participate

jabu: 2010-02-01 15:28

TMM, is there a way you can send our concerns to Sepp Blatter or whoever supposed to listen to the voiceless,hopless.its all because of Issa"Mr Basketball",atleast SAFA has changed its leadership last year what about this CAF dude, he should be banned from coming to SA, next time he plans to visit SA mr Editor please tell us we'll organise a big placard that will greet him at the airport, Sissssssssss ,I know SAFA as always they won't stand up to disagree with him,time for change, Barak,Zuma good example of Change

Isaac: 2010-02-01 16:02

The guy is very cruel if its was Cameroon maybe tournament wa going to be cancelled, as african we need to unite and call for early election to remove this unclued president or he must just quit to save time.please please baba just retire we had enough of you.

TTM: 2010-02-01 16:35

jabu: 2010-02-01 15:28
I will figure out something, boet. I'll try to forward this to Fifa's media officer and maybe we will get some reaction.

richard: 2010-02-01 16:48

Shame...May be this useless hyatu or huayatou think that CAF is Cameroun his country where the seat of the president is for life irespective of whether he is authocratic,opressive etal or not.Shame !!Africa ..Shame!!I mean if we Africans are realy sane minded then tell me why only this man should be allowed in this position for 27 good years hey?Ever since i was a little boy this rifraf has been running CAF as though it's his birthrite hoo!!Now is the time for real solidarity fellow Africans...HAYATOU MUST GO NOW NOT 2MORO.LET'S VOTE THIS HOPELESS MAN OUT 4 GOOD FOR EVER N EVER..AMEN.RICHARDS..jhb..

Ike_Wa_Poo!!!: 2010-02-01 18:11

You’re spot on Tiyani. Africa just doesn’t have leaders.

The problem with Africans is that once dey get comfortable, then they start abusing their powers. What CAF and Issa dit is uncalled for! If there is a partition, then I’ll sign it in support of Togo. How much is dat money translated into rands? What happens if the Togolese government refuses to pay up the money? Where will the money go to?

The same problem prevails with the African Player of de Year. What nonsense is this dat if u can’t attend the ceremony, den u cant win it? Dey say dey are proud Africans, but dey don’t like Africa de beautiful Planet. I still wonder which criterion was used to select the player of de year last season. I wonder if Aboutrika didn’t win because he is from Egypt, which to me is de obvious reason? Where is our continent going with such leaders?

Really is there any difference between Mugabe & Issa? One would swear dat they were born from the same mother. They only care about themselves. I never wish 4 people 2 die, but if this two were 2 do us a huge favour and leave Mother Africa, then Africa as a continent will go somewhere.

Its sad dat we de voiceless and insignificant people are de ones to suffer. Mother Africa what is wrong with ur greedy children? Wen will we learn?

Ike_Wa_Poo!!!: 2010-02-01 18:12

I meant Petition not Partition.

mike: 2010-02-01 18:29

If Togo remains baned all west African teams must quit CAF till the decision is reversed
Mike Georgia

Sol: 2010-02-01 19:45

NOW FOR SOME FUN. KickOff, can you go to SAFA and ask the personal opinion of one KISTERN NEMATANDANI with regards to the banning of TOGO ....brace yourselves for some hot air from 'our' new president, not that the old one would have had ***** on this either.

Sol: 2010-02-01 19:47

So the plural for the word ball is banned here, sjoe!

Daniel: 2010-02-01 20:12

This guy is bad news to African football. He's such a pathetic psychopath that needs to be examined. How can a sane human come up with such detestable decision. His arrogance and antagonistic behaviour has caused Africans so much shame and i think it's time we speak out before something epileptical happens to our football. So many bad decisions the lunatic has taken that needs questioning. Not to mention the head to head rule that creates so much confusion and complicating factors, you'll figure out that it's high time we need a change at the top of our football. Hayatou Please Leave!

michael: 2010-02-01 20:52

COUNTRIES SHOULD JOIN BOTSWANA GOVERNMENT AND ISSUE AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT TO CONDEMN TOGO'S SUSPENSION,HAYATOU DOES NOT UNDERSTAND ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE AT ALL!

baron: 2010-02-02 02:04

IF WHAT HAPPENDS TO TOGO ALSO HAPPENDS TO CAMEROON,THEN I AM SURE THAT ****** HAYATOU WILL NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO SANCTION CAMEROON. THAT MEANS THAT HAYATOU IS A RACIS AND HE DESERVED TO GO. PLEASE LET ALL AFRICAN COUNTRIES COME AS ONCE IN OTHER TO REMOVE HIM. I KNOW THAT WE CAN DO IT.

BARON.

Thompson : 2010-02-02 03:40

Issa Hayatou i guesss it is time you call it quit.God!the world is laughing at us again as a people.I want to kniow if we are cursed as a race.Banning Togo is the highest height of bad leadership that will lead us nowhere.Caf and the government of Angola was suppose to provide security for participating countries and since they failed in this aspect then Issa Hayatou should go.Nigeria did badly at the tournament thank God cos if the attack was on Super Eagles,let me leave now before i will say things that are not printable.

tk.: 2010-02-02 06:16

to hell with issa, Irvin Khoza is my main man. this issa is a disgrace and does not represent the african we can't have another mugabe in our beautiful game. these are people who give a bad name to africa. vamos

Kerewa: 2010-02-02 09:38

We keep talking of sit tight rulers in africa. but we are not looking the way of monsiure hayatou. since i started following football, i have been hearing of hayatou. i wonder him and zimbabwean president who has ruled longer than the other.
The bottom line is that the man has ran out of ideas so its high time he quits the stage. But come to think of it, who votes him in everytime. Still the same dumb sycophants we have in the congress.
Well he may ban togo today, but he shld remember that the chicken that smiles when others are being slaughtered, its turn will reach someday.

i rest my case

SIBUSISO: 2010-02-02 10:51

Tiyani wa ka Mabasa...thank you for laying it out the way it is man. Actually, this is the same guy who never supported SA when we were still bidding to host the WORLD CUP.
Come JUNE he will show up like a very important person. I wish he gets ill during the WC so that he wont be here......****** MORON

thando: 2010-02-02 12:30

I fully agree this man must leave, now he has created a dark cloud over african soccer, for him to dictate like this is incorrect. You can not use a Mugabe approach in soccer it doesn’t work that way.

Franklin : 2010-02-02 13:14

I need to be enlightened. What is the structure of CAF. Is the Presidency heriditary? He's been CAF president for over 2 decades. the decision to ban and fine Togo negates rule of equity. My suggestion is that Isah Hayatou and his committee members be relieved of their appointment and a more humane team of individuals be elected to move African football to the next level.

vuyo: 2010-02-02 15:22

TTM you are so right and anyone who disagrees with you is another Issa Hayatou brainwashed victim. African leaders are letting us down everyday and now the like of Hayatou have taken this rotten leadeship style to soccer. What Hayatou and co. are doing to Togo is unacceptable. I will boycot the AFCON if this decision in not challenged successfuly. Hayatou must retire now with Sepp Blatter.....

RODRICK: 2010-02-02 15:37

this guy must just voetsek cause he is just bad for African football and the African continent

RODRICK: 2010-02-02 15:42

What if it were his home country's bus that was attacked, he wud have probably call of the tournament

Chux: 2010-02-02 15:45

Good Observation man. A mere look at Hayatou will show you that he's suffering from many chronic diseases such as egomania, nepotism, arrogantia, dementia, and so on. The truth is that he's standing on a pseduo-beacon carried by inept booth lickers at the CAF HQRS. I would lead a protest match in Africa any day someone/organization would call for a minute silence should Issa pass away. Since he said that there should be no peace or honor for the dead, should any reasonable man or organization ever consider giving him honor he denied people and nations? The answer is NO. He has murdered honor and will never receive one. When his time comes, he will pay his due to death but the debt he owes Honor will even recovered from his offsprings

leo: 2010-02-02 16:20

To: CAF President and His Team. i think the whole structure of CAF need to be looked at again. what Mr President is doing is way unprofessional and evil. firstly TOGO lost three Lives of players and the Their Goverment thought it is good if they pull off, which it was a great decision to mourn the players. " Mr President wanted the Players to be treated like Dogs which is not correct. if their strucure says what he says goes, i would solely say it is F*cked. secondly he doesn't own CAF and he need to lead CAF with great Soccer decision. please recall the banning of TOGO and also that $50 0000 dollars.

i'm waiting to hear what are his words to the Lost once.

Ajaero: 2010-02-02 20:08

This heartless ******* called HAYATOU should leave now..

Settler: 2010-02-03 12:14

Fellows I don't think this Western African problem it's everyone's problem except Cameroon's so I think all Federations who symphathizes with Togo we should all support Togo or withdraw from all CAF activities until the decision is reversed.

Swona (Treble): 2010-02-03 17:06

All the confederation presidents are puppets of this moron Issa Hayatou, I dont know about Kersten, but Molefe was No.1, if they were not, they should have acted a long time ago, or they have a choice now to do so, they should pull out from all CAF evants, until the decision is overturned

Swona (Treble): 2010-02-03 17:10

Robert Mugabe of Sport, are they somehow related? God help Africa!!!

godfrey: 2010-02-09 11:24

Cameroonians don't have hearts, they have been boiled and brainwashed by the French. Rodger Milla once left the body of his wife in a morque to watch Cameroon lossing to Epgypt in Ghana. They don't have morals, they don't have respect for the deads.