The president of the Rio 2016 Olympic committee is lamenting the resignation of former FIFA president Joao Havelange from the IOC.
Carlos Nuzman says Havelange's support was crucial for Rio winning the bid to host the games and that the organizing committee is ''honored to continue to count on the support and the experience of Havelange.''
Nuzman says Havelange is ''one of the legends in the world of sports.''
He said in a statement on Tuesday that Havelange ''dedicated his life to Brazilian Olympic sports and changed the history of world football.''
The IOC confirmed the resignation on Monday, three days before the 95-year-old Havelange faced possible suspension for allegedly taking kickbacks while FIFA president. He served as president from 1974-98.
