End near for Hayatou?
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday February 14, 2017 15:33
Hayatou is seen as aligned to former FIFA president, Sepp Blatter but voting in the regions has seen new president, Gianni Infantino’s preferred candidates take over.
Hayatou will seek another term in March when the continental body holds its election in Ethiopia and faces Ahmed from Madagascar.
COSAFA is the first regional body to declare support for Ahmed after a weekend.
“The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) held a productive meeting of all member presidents in Johannesburg on Saturday February 11.
The meeting produced a number of resolutions, including the full endorsement of the Madagascar Football Association president, known simply as Ahmed, as he seeks the position of president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at the governing body’s elections in Ethiopia next month,” a media statement reads.
Hayatou chose to stand for an eight, despite opposition from even some of his allies, a source with the COSAFA region leadership told Mmegi Sport.
“There was a feeling that he should give way for new blood and was advised against standing. However, he has made up his mind and he will be seeking another term,” the source said. COSAFA was the first to signal probable impending changes at CAF headquarters when long time president, Suketu Patel of Seychelles was dumped in favour of Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president, Philip Chiyangwa.
“It was not about capability (when COSAFA voted) but about alignment. Chiyangwa is a Infantino man and that pattern followed in other regions. This will spell doom for Hayatou,” the source claimed.
The CECAFA (Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations) region covering East Africa, has reportedly declared their support for Ahmed, which has riled Hayatou, according to reports from the region.
Central African Football Federations’ Union is expected to vote for Hayatou, although opinion is reportedly divided.
West African bloc, West African Football Union saw Ghanian, Kwesi Nyantakyi retain his position but the region has not openly declared where its loyalty lies.
Union of North African Football Federations is yet to declare support.
But Hayatou is a tough opponent and might prove difficult to dislodge although he appears vulnerable.