Joao Havelange, the former President of world football governing body FIFA, has died in hospital in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian was predecessor to Sepp Blatter at FIFA, serving from 1974 to 1998 during which he was one of the most influential figures in international sports.
The hospital spokeswoman said on Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro, that the 100 year old Havelange, had been admitted last month to the Samaritano hospital for treatment for pneumonia.
According to BBC, Havelange resigned as FIFAs honorary president in April 2013 following an investigation into bribery allegations and was admitted to hospital the following year with a lung infection. He was also an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member from 1963 until 2011, resigning because of ill health.
Havelange represented Brazil in swimming at the 1936 Olympics – the year he qualified as a lawyer , before his election to the IOC. As Fifa president he led the World Cup’s expansion from 16 to 32 teams, with six competitions held under his tenure.
However, his career was also mired in controversy over bribery allegations. Havelange was the subject of corruption investigations and it was alleged by Swiss prosecutors in July 2012 that he and his son-in-law Ricardo Teixeira took tens of millions of dollars in bribes in connection with the award of World Cup marketing rights.
Read More on this story on BBC official website.
May his soul Rest in Peace.
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