Caf Disappointed By IOC Reprimand

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed its disappointment at the decision of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) to reprimand its President Issa Hayatou for allegedly accepting payments from FIFA’s former marketing partner ISL.

Last week Hayatou was warned along with Lamine Diack, the head of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), after the IOC’s Ethics Commission investigated allegations that he had received 100,000 French Francs in 1995 from ISL.

CAF vice-president Kabele Camara said in a statement: ‘Hayatou never received the said sum for his personal account and could not, therefore, use it for personal needs. No conflict of interest, therefore, can be charged against him.’

‘It is recalled that the general principle of law, which is binding on all, provides that the accused should be given the benefit of doubt.’

‘CAF regrets that all documents and evidence provided were not considered, even as its Executive Committee had approved the donation as recorded in its minutes.’

The statement added: ‘rejecting all these documents demonstrates disrespect and lack of consideration of the IOC towards the Pan-African institution.’

CAF also backed Hayatou’s defence that the funds were intended for the celebration of the organisation’s 40th anniversary. The IOC’s own investigation into the affair has already led to former FIFA President João Havelange resigning his position as a member of the organisation after 38 years.