Former FIFA President Joao Havelenge has died aged 100.
Havelenge was the President of the world football’s governing body (FIFA) from 1974 to 1998 before Sepp Blatter replaced him. He passed away in Samaritano Hospital in Rio de Janiero after been in and out of the hospital due to respiratory problems.
He was an Olympic swimmer and water polo player for his country Brazil before becoming the first non-European to head the International Football Federation (FIFA) in 1974.
During his tenure, FIFA was transformed and saw rise of its flagship event, the World Cup into a multi-billion dollar venture.
On leaving the office of President he was made a honorary President but Havelenge resigned as the honourary President due to corruption allegations levied against him and others in 2013.
Joao Havelenge who was a Lawyer and businessman also served as a member of the International Olympic Committee between 1963 and 2011.
The Engenhao stadium in Rio de Janeiro is named in his honour.
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