Former FIFA President Joao Havelange passes away

August 16, 2016

Joao Havelange, former president of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the global governing body of football passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was 100.
He had served as president of FIFA for two decades and had played pivotal role in transforming football’s governing body into a multibillion-dollar business.

About Joao Havelange

Born as Jean-Marie Faustin Godefroid de Havelange on 8 May 1916 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He was a Brazilian lawyer, businessman and former athlete. He had served as the 7th President of the FIFA from 1974 to 1998.
His tenure as President in FIFA is the second longest behind only that of Jules Rimet. He had received the title of Honorary President when leaf office, but resigned in April 2013.
Havelange had expanded the FIFA World Cup from 16 to 32 teams and made it one of sport’s most important events.
He had organized six World Cups as FIFA president from 1974 to 1998, when Sepp Blatter replaced him.
He is credited for creating the women’s World Cup. He was re-elected president of FIFA for six times, capitalising on his contact-building across world football.
Under his presidentship, FIFA’s membership had expanded by nearly one-third to more than 200 nations and territories.
He had served as member of International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 1963 until 2011. He was the longest-serving active member of IOC upon his resignation.

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