Ex-FIFA chief Havelange discharged from hospital

Former world football governing body FIFA president Joao Havelange has been discharged from hospital after recovering from a bout of pneumonia.

The Samaritano hospital in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday did not provide further details about the 100-year-old's health, reports Xinhua.

Havelange has been hospitalised at least four times since 2012 with cardiac and respiratory problems.

A former Olympic swimmer, the Brazilian headed FIFA from 1974 to 1998.

Under his leadership, FIFA grew from a small organisation with a handful of employees to a cash-rich sporting and global brand.

His career was tainted by allegations of corruption, including claims he received kickbacks from FIFA marketing contracts.

 

--IANS

pur/bg