Hayatou: 'I Am FIFA President'

Sepp Blatter and Issa Hayatou, who heads the Confederation of African Football, have worked closely for years (Photo: AFP)

Cameroonian football official Issa Hayatou has just released a statement confirming that he is the new FIFA boss, following the suspension of Sepp Blatter.

"I will serve only on an interim basis," he said.

"A new president will be chosen by the Extraordinary Congress on 26 February 2016. I myself will not be a candidate for that position."

"FIFA remains committed to the reform process, which is critical to reclaiming public trust. We will also continue to co-operate fully with authorities and follow the internal investigation wherever it leads," he added.

"Football has never enjoyed greater support throughout the world, and that is something everyone associated with FIFA should be proud of."

FIFA's 'Giant Step'

Liberia football chief Musa Bility says FIFA has taken a "giant step" towards cleaning up the sport by suspending Sepp Blatter and other top officials.

Issa Hayatou had "sufficient experience" to steady the FIFA ship "if he wishes to do that", Mr Bility told BBC Africa Sport.

Mr Hayatou should immediately call a meeting of the FIFA executive, he added.

"We are in the process of changing football for a lifetime, and no-one in football has a right to tamper with that at this point."

Musa Bility has declared his intention to run for Mr Blatter's job when elections are held (Photo: LFA)