Jack hails late FIFA boss Dr Havelange

Warner declared via a statement yesterday morning,“world football has lost a friend. I dreaded this day. The man who changed the face of football forever, saved it from ignominy and transformed it into the beautiful game is no more.” Havelange was a Brazilian lawyer, businessman and national swimmer who become one of the world’s powerful men while leading FIFA from 1974-1988.

He was also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 1963-2011.

His work in marketing FIFA remains unparalleled, making it arguable the richest sporting organisation in the world with a proliferation of sponsors. Under Havelange’s reign, the men’s World Cup grew from 16 to 32 teams while he secured lucrative broadcast deals, brought nations into FIFA and saw the creation of a number of World Cups, including women’s, men’s Under-17 and men’s Under-20.

“When Dr Jo?o Havelange ascended the football throne the sport was virtually bankrupt but by the time he left, it had become the most affluent sport in the global village,” Warner added.

“He was one of the most progressive thinkers who was never starved for ideas and the quantum leap that took place in the sport was as a result of his vision which he shared even after he officially took his exit from football.

His greatest contribution to Caribbean football is the gift of the Centre of Excellence in Macoya that he gave to the Warner family which carries his name and which, ironically, is now a point of contention in our courts.

“But what he has achieved has left no doubt in anyone’s mind, no suspicion among those he touched and no misgiving among those who benefited from his stewardship. To his immediate family, my family and I do express our condolences. After 100 years my friend will most certainly rest in peace,” ended Warner.

The Centre of Excellence in Macoya, which was the brainchild of Warner, was named after Havelange in 1998. It, however, has become the centre of controversy as CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) has sought to claim the structure, insisting that it is owned by them and alleging it was built from FIFA and CONCACAF funds.

The land the facility is on, however, is allegedly owned by Warner.