A little-known official from Madagascar "toppled" Confederation of African Football President Issa Hayatou, "ending almost 30 years of rule as the world’s most-popular sport continues to deal with the fallout of corruption probes into its management," according to Tariq Panja of BLOOMBERG. Ahmad Ahmad, 57, will replace Cameroon’s Hayatou, who is also SVP of FIFA, "after a 34-20 victory in a vote Thursday in Ethiopia's capital," Addis Ababa. Hayatou’s "ouster is the second significant change" at one of football’s major regional bodies since the Feb. '16 election of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Ahmad said that the vote was a "sweet victory" that was "achieved after years of work." Ahmad, who took over the Madagascar FA in '03, ran on a campaign to open an era of transparency, and bring "a wind of change" (BLOOMBERG, 3/16). The BBC reported the result was "greeted by cheers" at the CAF congress as Ahmad was "carried on the shoulders of jubilant supporters to the podium after the result was announced." In contrast, Hayatou was led from the auditorium by aids, but as he departed he said, "It is not that bad." Ahmad takes over as CAF president on an initial four-year term, and has "promised to modernise the body" (BBC, 3/16). The Nigerian PREMIUM TIMES reported before the vote, Ahmad said, "I'm not a candidate who will serve his personal interests. African football cannot be managed by bandits." Ahmad, who is into his third term as Madagascar FA president, said in an earlier interview that Hayatou had "done all he could for CAF." Ahmad: "In life, there is a limit. Typically in politics, everyone has his chance -- maybe it is time (for Hayatou to quit)" (PREMIUM TIMES, 3/16).
REACTIONS: The BBC reported Liberia FA Chair Musa Bility said, "Africa has made a decision, we are moving forward with football and we have chosen change over the last leadership. ... Everything is going to change. Football is going to be governed by the association presidents, we are the real power -- power will be restored to the football associations and we will make decisions, FIFA-style, Gianni-style." Sierra Leone FA President Isha Johansen said, "I'm happy, elated, it is great. This is the change we were talking about, it is good for African football." Lesotho Sports & Recreation Commission President Khiba Mohoanyane said, "The people have spoken and the people have voted in massive numbers. I have to respect their choice. I think the future will be much better. Ahmad is younger, and has a vision. We heard him speaking about what he is going to do going forward. It was a statement full of promises" (BBC, 3/16).
