ZURICH: Issa Hayatou, FIFA’s interim president, has undergone a kidney transplant operation but will remain in his post as acting head of the world football federation.

The Cameroonian, who is senior vice-president of FIFA and also president of Africa’s governing body CAF, has been suffering from kidney trouble for several years.

He stepped up after Sepp Blatter was suspended provisionally for 90 days by the FIFA ethics committee over allegations, which he has denied, of misconduct in office.

A statement released by CAF on Friday confirmed that the Hayatou’s surgery had been successful and that he would not relinquish either role even on a temporary basis.

A statement said: “President of the Confédération Africaine de Football Issa Hayatou, yesterday underwent a successful kidney transplant.

“He has never hidden the sufferings of his kidney failure in recent times. However, it did not prevent him from discharging fully and continuously his functions with the world football body, Africa and the Olympic movement.

“His current tasks as acting FIFA president and CAF president will continue as planned.”

CAF’s secretary general Hicham El Amrani added: “I am pleased with the positive news given by the medical personnel. On behalf of CAF and on my own behalf, I wish our President a speedy recovery. In the coming days, I will be in regular contact with him and I am glad to know that in future, he will be back on our side.”

WORLD SOCCER

www.WorldSoccer.com

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