RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A Brazilian hospital says doctors performed a drainage procedure on former FIFA president Joao Havelange to try to control an infection on his right ankle.
The Samaritano Hospital said in a statement Tuesday that Havelange’s condition remains serious. He is breathing without the aid of a ventilator, but doctors are controlling his blood pressure.
The 95-year-old Havelange was hospitalized on March 18 with septic arthritis, a dangerous bacterial infection which affects the joints.
He resigned from the International Olympic Committee last year citing undisclosed health reasons, avoiding a possible suspension for allegedly taking kickbacks from former FIFA marketing partner ISL. He presided over FIFA from 1974-98.
