BRASILIA, Dec 11: A bill drawn up by sports minister Pele to modernise the organisation of Brazilian domestic soccer cleared its most difficult hurdle on Wednesday when it was passed by the Lower House of Congress, an official said, reports Reuters.

Pele's bill, which has angered FIFA boss Joao Have-lange, would oblige soccer clubs to become privately run companies within two years, force them to start paying tax and allow them to organise their own leagues independent of the current state ana national federations.

Furthermore, professional soccer players will effectively become free agents at the age of 20. feeing them from the current system whereby they are bound to serve their clubs.

Under the current system, clubs are obliged to be affiliated to Brazil's state federations and take part in competitions organised by them and the CBF. the national confederation.