Former FIFA chief Havelange admitted to hospital

Former world football governing body FIFA President Joao Havelange has been admitted to hospital with pneumonia, doctors in Brazil said.

In a brief statement on Saturday, the Samaritano Hospital in Rio de Janeiro said the 100-year-old is in a stable condition, reports Xinhua.

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

A former Olympic swimmer, Havelange 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

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