It is impossible to convey the impact which Dr. Joao Havelange had on world football during his Presidency of FIFA from 1974 until his retirement in 1998. Dr. Havelange guided the game through massive changes in internationalism, commerce, communications, television and the growing strength of the game beyond the traditional "homes" of Europe and South America. CONCACAF President Jack Warner has called him "CONCACAF's greatest friend," praise which would be echoed in other developing Confederations and developing countries.