After nearly half a century in the Olympic movement, former FIFA President Joao Havelange has left the IOC under a cloud of corruption allegations. The 95-year-old Brazilian's resignation from the IOC was confirmed by the Olympic body and FIFA Monday, three days before he faced possible suspension for allegedly taking kickbacks as president of FIFA. Havelange led the football body from 1974-98. “The IOC confirms that it has received the resignation letter from Mr. Joao Havelange,” the IOC said of its longest-standing member, who joined the organization in 1963. The IOC's executive board was preparing to rule Thursday on claims that Havelange took a $1 million kickback from World Cup marketing deals while president of FIFA. Earlier Monday, FIFA said Havelange had resigned and that the IOC's ethics case against him had been closed. “FIFA has taken note of Joao Havelange's resignation as IOC Member and the fact that the IOC has closed the case accordingly,” FIFA said in a statement to the AP. 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. “It is important to note that Joao Havelange was appointed honorary president by the FIFA Congress on June 8, 1998,” the governing body said. “FIFA cannot speculate on any decisions made by Mr. Havelange.” Havelange has been under investigation by its 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 meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. Havelange, a former Olympic swimmer and water polo player, served as FIFA president for 24 years before being succeeded by Sepp Blatter. The IOC ethics case stems from a BBC documentary last year into kickbacks allegedly paid by ISL, which owned World Cup television rights and collapsed with debts of $300 million in 2001. Two other IOC members, African football President Issa Hayatou and IAAF President Lamine Diack, are also under investigation for receiving money but face much lesser penalties.
