Havelange, who was suffering from a
FIFA Coins respiratory infection, died early Tuesday while Rio de Janeiro was hosting the Olympic Games, according to the Samaritano Hospital.In 2009, Havelange led off Rio's bid presentation to the International Olympic Committee in Copenhagen by inviting the members to vote to "join me in celebrating my 100th birthday'" at the 2016 Games in Brazil. FILE - In this Nov. 22, 2010 file photo, former FIFA President Joao Havelange gives an interview at the Soccerex Global Convention in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
On Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, a Brazilian hospital announced that Havelange has died in Brazil. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File)The Brazilian flag was lowered to half-staff at Olympic venues and the IOC said its "thoughts are with the family and loved ones" of Havelange.FIFA President Gianni Infantino lavished praise on Havelange, saying the "whole football community should be grateful" for his contribution."
During his 24 years as FIFA president football became truly global, reaching new territories and bringing the game to all corners of the world," Infantino said.Havelange expanded the World Cup from 16 to 32 teams and made it one of sports' most important events. He organized six World Cups as FIFA president from 1974 to 1998, when Sepp Blatter replaced him.
He secured lucrative broadcast deals, brought nations into
Cheap FUT Coins and created the women's World Cup.Blatter said Havelange will always be synonymous with the expansion of soccer and turning it into the "universal language.""Football thus owes him a huge debt of gratitude," Blatter said in a statement."
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