Berardinelli had been admitted to hospital with respiratory problems less than a week after he was arrested on charges of misusing public money last month.

He was later diagnosed with COVID-19, but his exact cause of death has not been revealed.

According to Venezuelan media, Berardinelli had other health issues, including diabetes and heart problems.

Berardinelli is the second South American football official to pass away in less than a month after Bolivian Football Federation President Cesar Luis Salinas Sinka died due to complications caused by coronavirus.

A vice-president of the FVF, Berardinelli became the acting head of the federation in January after President Laureano González stepped down citing health problems.

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) was among those to pay tribute to Berardinelli.

"CONMEBOL and the South American football family deeply regret the death of Mr. Jesús Berardinelli," CONMEBOL said.

"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, as well as to friends and colleagues of the FVF."