Former FIFA president Joao Havelange hospitalized in Rio with respiratory problems

RIO DE JANEIRO – Former FIFA president Joao Havelange is being treated in a Rio de Janeiro hospital for respiratory problems.

The 99-year old Brazilian, who handed over the FIFA presidency in 1998 to Sepp Blatter, was hospitalized a year ago for a similar problem.

Hospital Samaritano says in a statement that Havelange "is progressing positively to treatment, and his vital signs are stable."