Lula, who led Rio de Janeiro's bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, pipped Bolsonaro by winning 50.9 per cent of the vote.  

He was sworn in as the new President of Brazil yesterday - the third time he has held the country's highest office.

"His Excellency President Lula, the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) hereby wishes to convey to Your Excellency our congratulations on his victory in the presidential elections of October 2022 and on his assumption of the office of President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, held yesterday, January 1, 2023," Wanderley said.

"The trust deposited by our nation's voters, who led him to this third term, reflects the great work carried out by Your Excellency, based on determination and commitment to public causes.

"On behalf of COB and myself, I place myself at Your Excellency's disposal for whatever may be necessary, in favor (sic) of promoting Brazilian Sport, and I wish you much success in leading our beloved country."

Bolsonaro was not present when Lula was sworn in and it has been reported that the former went to the United States on Friday to avoid the handover ceremony.

Lula was not allowed to run in the last Presidential election in 2018 after being jailed for receiving a bribe from a Brazilian construction firm in return for contracts with Brazil's state oil company Petrobras.

Lula had to spend 580 days in jail before the conviction was finally annulled.

Lula was also the President of Brazil when the country was awarded the 2014 FIFA World Cup.