The Rio Olympic Stadium, where the athletics events of the 2016 Games will take place, is at the heart of a controversy even before having opened its doors. The Brazilian political class wants to name it after Joao Havelange, the former president of FIFA. A legitimate choice. Only problem: the Brazilian leader, aged 97, has just left his seat as honorary president of the football institution after being the subject of an investigation for corruption. The idea of naming the future Games venue after Joao Havelange therefore does not please the IOC at all. Thomas Bach, its vice-president, said this on Thursday in Frankfurt. “The IOC is currently in a very good position to impose strict compliance with ethical rules,” explained the candidate to succeed Jacques Rogge.
— Published on May 9, 2013
