Fernando Romero Mazzeo, the former President of Venezuelan Olympic Committee (VOC), has died aged 81 after suffering a heart attack ©VOC

Fernando Romero Mazzeo, the former President of Venezuelan Olympic Committee (VOC), has died aged 81 after suffering a heart attack.

Current VOC President Eduardo Álvarez Camacho announced the death of Mazzeo, who served at the head of the organisation from 1984 to 2006 before his retirement.

"We deeply regret the passing of Dr. Romero," said Camacho.

"His policy of self-management and good management allowed the Venezuelan Olympic Committee to reach what it is now."

Fernando Romero Moazzeo led the body for 22 years until his retirement in 2006 ©Getty Images
Fernando Romero Moazzeo led the body for 22 years until his retirement in 2006 ©Getty Images

Mazzeo was also President of the Bolivarian Sports Organisation (ODEBO) from 1989 to 2006, as well as a Board member of the Central America and Caribbean Sports Organisation (ODECABE), the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) and the South American Sports Organisation (ODESUR).

A VOC statement read: "He gave the organisation a solid financial independence without relying on state benefits by substituting the autonomy of VOC to undertake an ambitious marketing plan to incorporate the private sector in financing projects in highly competitive sport.

"Under his management the current headquarters in El Paraiso in Caracas were built."

Several Olympic medals were also won with Mazzeo at the helm, including two bronzes at Athens 2004: for taekwondo player Adriana Carmona and weightlifter Israel Jose Rubio.