Havelange Ethics Case Closed After Resignation
FIFA has confirmed that the ongoing ethics case against former president Joao Havelange has now officially closed, after football’s world governing body confirmed that the 95 year-old Brazilian has resigned from the International Olympic Committee.
The IOC was believed to be preparing to rule on claims he took kickback payments during his time as president of FIFA between 1974 and 1998, before being succeeded by Sepp Blatter.
FIFA said in a statement to the Associated Press: ‘FIFA has taken note of Joao Havelange’s resignation as IOC Member and the fact that the IOC has closed the case accordingly.’
Havelange’s decision to leave the IOC prompted speculation he could resign or lose his status as FIFA’s honorary president, however, FIFA said authority over his ceremonial position belonged to football’s 208 nations and Havelange himself.
The statement added: ‘It is important to note that Joao Havelange was appointed honorary president by the FIFA Congress on June 8, 1998. FIFA cannot speculate on any decisions made by Mr Havelange.’
Havelange, an IOC member since 1963, has been under investigation by the ethics commission for allegedly receiving a $1 million payment from former FIFA marketing partner ISL.
A two-year suspension, or even possible expulsion, for Havelange was expected to be considered at Thursday’s IOC executive board meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.
