The wave of change that has swept elections and referendums across the globe has claimed another scalp.
After nearly three decades at the helm of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Cameroon’s Issa Hayatou will be replaced by Madagascar’s Chief Ahmad.
Hayatou who had only previously been twice challenged for the position, lost the election by 20 votes. The result was met by jubilant celebrations in Addis Ababa, where the elections took place and heralds a new beginning for Africa’s topmost football administrator.
Ahmed Ahmed of Madagascar is the new CAF president #CAFGA2017
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 16, 2017
Commentators of African football have long called for change at CAF and the delegates from the 54 representing nations have finally delivered the wishes of many who have seen African football decline in recent times.
Allegations of corruption and mismanagement have been rife, so the incoming President has a huge task to restore trust at CAF. He has promised ‘a new code of ethics’. Let’s hope he delivers the necessary change to bring African football into a new dawn of prosperity.