Joao Havelange. [File Photo]

Former FIFA president Joao Havelange died at 100 on Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, according to media reports.

Havelange had been hospitalized at least four times since 2012 with cardiac and respiratory problems.

A former Olympic swimmer, Havelange headed FIFA from 1974 to 1998.

Under his leadership FIFA grew from a small organization with a handful of employees to a multibillion-dollar sporting and global brand.

His career was tainted by allegations of corruption, including claims he received kickbacks from FIFA marketing contracts.