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

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

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

He is the fifth member of president Dilma Rousseff鈥檚 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: 鈥淚 asked to leave the government. I am leaving the government to defend my honour. I leave having fulfilled my duties.鈥�

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