Havelange makes IOC exit

Former FIFA President Joao Havelange has resigned from the International Olympic Committee, days before the outcome of an ethics inquiry.

Havelange, 95, had been a member of the IOC since 1963.

He quit what had become a symbolic role on Sunday, four days before the outcome of an enquiry into his conduct.

Havelange served as president of world football’s governing body FIFA between 1974 and 1998.

He was under investigation for allegedly accepting payments from FIFA’s now-defunct marketing arm, International Sport and Leisure.

ISL went bankrupt in 2001, with reported debts of US$300 million.

Lamine Diack, the president of the International Association of Athletics Federations, and African Football Confederation (CAF) President Issa Hayatou are also under investigation for allegedly receiving corrupt ISL payments.

FIFA have reached out-of-court settlements in civic cases to avoid publication of documents detailing the alleged bribery.

But the IOC opted to investigate matters implicating its members.

By resigning from the organisation, Havelange is no longer subject to IOC rules and can avoid formal punishment.

Havelange represented Brazil in swimming at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, and again in water polo at the 1952 Helsinki Games.

He was succeeded as FIFA president by incumbent Sepp Blatter in 1998.

Havelange was believed to be instrumental in bringing the 2014 World Cup to Brazil and the 2016 Olympic Games being awarded to Rio de Janeiro.