Orlando Silva was in charge of preparations for 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics

Brazil’s preparations for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics have been rocked by the resignation of the country’s sports minister, Orlando Silva.

Silva, who was in charge of preparations for the two events, resigned yesterday from the Brazillian government after the country’s Supreme Court launched a formal probe into corruption allegations involving him.

He is the fifth member of president Dilma Rousseff’s government to resign amid corruption claims since she was elected in January.

Brazilian news magazine Veja has accused Silva of helping to embezzle $23m from a government scheme that promotes sport for children from poor backgrounds.

Silva denies the allegations, and said in a statement: “I asked to leave the government. I am leaving the government to defend my honour. I leave having fulfilled my duties.”

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