7 Presidents who transformed African football through CAF leadership

Discover the seven presidents who have led the Confederation of African Football (CAF), shaping the development of African football, beach soccer, and futsal.

Africa’s football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been led by seven influential presidents since its establishment. 

Each of these leaders has played a pivotal role in shaping African football, fostering its growth, and navigating the organization through significant transitions.

From its first president, Abdel Aziz Abdallah Salem, to the current leader, Patrice Motsepe, these presidents have left an enduring impact on the sport.

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1. Abdel Aziz Abdallah Salem (1957–1958)

Abdel Aziz Abdallah Salem was the first president of CAF, serving from February 10, 1957, to 1958. As a founding member of CAF, he played a crucial role in laying the foundation for African football governance.

His tenure saw the establishment of the Africa Cup of Nations, the premier international competition for African national teams, which has since become a symbol of African football excellence.

During his short tenure, Salem worked to unify African nations under a single football authority. His leadership marked the beginning of a new era in African sports, where teams across the continent could compete on an organized international stage.

Under his guidance, the first edition of the Africa Cup of Nations was held in Sudan in 1957, setting the stage for future continental competitions.

Though his presidency lasted only one year, his contributions remain fundamental to CAF’s identity. His vision paved the way for future leaders to expand the sport and increase its global recognition.

2. Abdel Aziz Moustafa (1958–1968)

Following Salem’s departure, Abdel Aziz Moustafa took over as CAF president and served for an impressive ten years. His tenure was characterized by significant strides in expanding African football, both in terms of participation and infrastructure.

Moustafa played a crucial role in strengthening African representation on the global stage. 

Under his leadership, CAF gained greater recognition from FIFA, leading to increased African participation in international football tournaments. His efforts contributed to the gradual increase of African slots in FIFA World Cup competitions.

By the end of his presidency in 1968, CAF had grown in influence and organizational strength. Moustafa’s decade-long leadership helped cement CAF’s reputation as a formidable football authority, setting the groundwork for future expansions.

3. Abdel Halim Muhammad (1968–1972)

Sudanese football administrator Abdel Halim Muhammad took over the presidency in 1968, serving for four years. His leadership came at a time when African football was gaining momentum in global sports discussions.

Muhammad was instrumental in reinforcing CAF’s organizational structure. During his tenure, he advocated for increased financial support for African clubs and national teams, ensuring that football development extended beyond elite competitions. He also worked towards creating better youth development programs to nurture homegrown talent across the continent.

His tenure also focused on enhancing CAF’s administrative efficiency, streamlining the operations that would enable smoother competitions. While his presidency was shorter than some of his predecessors, his emphasis on stability and development left a lasting impact on the governing body.

4. Yidnekatchew Tessema (1972–1987)

Ethiopia’s Yidnekatchew Tessema was one of the most influential CAF presidents, leading the organization for 15 years. His presidency saw remarkable changes in the structure and growth of African football.

Tessema was a strong advocate for African self-reliance in football administration. He pushed for African nations to rely less on European football infrastructure and instead develop homegrown talent, coaching, and management. His vision emphasized African football’s independence and self-sufficiency, which led to the improvement of local leagues and clubs.

Under his leadership, CAF expanded its competitions and introduced new development initiatives. His tenure also witnessed significant progress in gaining more representation for Africa in FIFA tournaments, reinforcing the continent’s growing football influence. His sudden passing in 1987 left a deep void, but his legacy as a champion of African football remains.

5. Issa Hayatou (1988–2017)

Cameroon’s Issa Hayatou holds the record as CAF’s longest-serving president, leading the organization for an astounding 29 years. His tenure saw the modernization and globalization of African football.

Hayatou’s leadership was instrumental in securing multiple African slots at the FIFA World Cup, starting with the 1998 edition, which saw Africa’s representation increase to five teams. He also played a key role in securing sponsorship deals, which significantly boosted CAF’s revenue and the financial strength of African football competitions.

Despite facing controversies towards the end of his presidency, Hayatou’s long tenure saw unprecedented growth in CAF’s influence. Under his guidance, the Africa Cup of Nations expanded, the CAF Champions League gained international recognition, and African football grew into a formidable force on the global stage.

6. Ahmad Ahmad (2017–2021)

Madagascar’s Ahmad Ahmad served as CAF president from 2017 to 2021. His election marked a shift in CAF’s leadership after nearly three decades under Hayatou. Ahmad’s tenure focused on reforming CAF’s governance structures and improving transparency.

Ahmad introduced several administrative changes, including financial audits and restructuring CAF’s competition formats to enhance commercial viability. He also sought to strengthen relationships with international football bodies, positioning African football for greater global collaboration.

However, his presidency was marred by allegations of corruption, leading to his suspension by FIFA in 2020. Despite the controversies, Ahmad’s tenure reflected a transition period for CAF, aiming to modernize its approach to football governance.

7. Patrice Motsepe (2021–Present)

South African businessman Patrice Motsepe took over as CAF president in March 2021, bringing a fresh leadership approach focused on investment and commercial growth in African football.

Motsepe’s presidency has emphasized financial stability and improved competition management. He has pushed for increased private sector investment in African football, aiming to make CAF competitions more lucrative and commercially attractive. His leadership has also focused on uniting African football stakeholders to foster greater collaboration.

Under Motsepe, CAF has continued efforts to develop youth and women’s football, ensuring that African football’s future remains strong. His tenure is ongoing, and his vision for a more financially robust and globally competitive CAF continues to shape African football’s trajectory.