Issa Hayatou Named as Acting FIFA President

FIFA have confirmed that Issa Hayatou, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and long-standing senior FIFA vice-president, will become the interim president of world football’s governing body.

Hayatou assumes the position with immediate effect after current FIFA president Sepp Blatter, along with UEFA president Michel Platini, was handed a 90-day suspension.

The Cameroonian has stated that he will only be in interim charge and will not be in the running to replace Blatter in February.

He released a statement through FIFA saying: Today, amid extraordinary circumstances, I have assumed the office of FIFA President. I will serve only on an interim basis. A new President will be chosen by the Extraordinary Congress on 26 February 2016. I myself will not be a candidate for that position.

“Until the Extraordinary Congress, I pledge that I will dedicate my best efforts to the organisation, the member associations, our employees, our valued partners, and football fans everywhere. FIFA remains committed to the reform process, which is critical to reclaiming public trust. We will also continue to cooperate fully with authorities and follow the internal investigation wherever it leads.

“Football has never enjoyed greater support throughout the world, and that is something everyone associated with FIFA should be proud of.”