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Ex-FIFA president Joao Havelange dies

Wednesday, August 17 2016 by SNTV
  • Joao Havelange, the Brazilian who reshaped the football world before his reputation was tainted by corruption scandals, has died aged 100.

    Former FIFA president Joao Havelange passed away at the age of 100 in Rio de Janeiro on Monday

    Joao Havelange, who as president of FIFA for two decades transformed soccer's governing body into a multi-billion-dollar business before it became a hotbed for subsequent corruption that damaged its reputation, has died.

    The Samaritano Hospital in Rio de Janeiro confirmed his death early on Tuesday while the city was hosting the Olympic Games.

    In 2009, Havelange led off Rio's bid presentation to the IOC in Copenhagen by inviting the members to vote to "Join me in celebrating my 100th birthday'" at the 2016 Games in Brazil.

    Havelange expanded the World Cup from 16 to 32 teams and made it one of sport's most important events.

    He organised six World Cups as FIFA president from 1974 to 1998, when Sepp Blatter replaced him.

    With more cash for football also came widespread reports of financial wrongdoing by its top officials, including Havelange.

    In 2013, FIFA ethics court judge Joachim Eckert said Havelange's conduct had been "morally and ethically reproachable."

    Havelange was never punished. The Brazilian flag was lowered to half-staff at Olympic venues in memory of the

    100-year-old , who was suffering from a respiratory infection,

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