Who is Issa Hayatou, FIFA’s new acting president?

But FIFA confirmed it has quickly been filled - at least for now - by Issa Hayatou, the head of African football, who assumes the presidency in a caretaker capacity until Blatter’s 90-day suspension is complete, and if no further action is taken against the man who has ruled world football since 1998.

Presidential elections will take place on February 26 so Hayatou’s reign could be a short one – but who is he, and what has he done in his career?

Hayatou hails from Cameroon and was born in Yaounde in 1946. He has been president of the Confederation of African Football since 1988 and currently sits on seven FIFA committees.

He was named secretary general of the Cameroon Football Association (FECAFOOT) in 1974 at the age of 28. He later became president of the same body before ascending to power at CAF and FIFA.

In 2011, Hayatou was reprimanded by the International Olympic Committee for having received improper payments from marketing company ISL in his role at FIFA.

In May of the same year, Hayatou was at the centre of another controversy as a Sunday Times investigation alleged that he had taken bribes in relation to Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid.

Along with FIFA executive committee member Jacques Anouma, of Ivory Coast, Hayatou was accused of being paid €1.5 million (£916,000) by Qatar in allegations heard in a meeting of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport committee.

The newspaper said that cash would be given to the men’s respective federations, but “there would be no questions asked about how the money was used”.

Hayatou was a fine athlete in his younger years and represented his country in middle-distance running and basketball.

He names Gordon Banks as his all-time favourite goalkeeper and Pele as his all-time favourite player.

Oh, and his brother Sadou was president of Cameroon between 1991 and 1992.