"I am 62 years old and I only remember two presidents of FIFA, Joao Havelange and Blatter," he said. "Only these two people in the world to rule over football? This is unacceptable."

A hugely gifted midfielder, Zico played in three World Cups - 1978, 1982 and 1986 - but never won the trophy. He played at clubs in Brazil, Italy and Japan before going on to a coaching career in Turkey, Greece, Russia, Uzbekistan, the Middle East, India and Japan's national team.

Zico suggested that Marco Polo Del Nero, the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, must have known about the alleged corruption linked to the arrest in Switzerland of his predecessor Jose Maria Marin.

Marin was one of seven top soccer officials arrested two weeks ago in connection with the growing bribery and corruption scandal surrounding FIFA. Zico said the two had spent all "this time (together) at the CBF."

"So I think this friendship did not end at the moment Marin was arrested in Switzerland."

Del Nero told a Brazilian congressional committee on Tuesday he would not resign. He refused and said he had not been charged with any crimes.

Del Nero and former CBF president Ricardo Teixeira are believed to be at the center of an on-going investigation by US authorities and others probing illegal kickbacks, bribes and money-laundering.