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Brazil, the only candidate, presents its 2014 WCup bid to FIFA
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By Atlético .
Published on 08/8/2007
 
Like Chicago before, Rio de Janeiro sites successful Gay Prides as proof it can manage the World Cup

ZURICH, Switzerland (AP): Brazil is not assured of hosting the 2014 World Cup even though it is the only bidder for the global soccer showcase, FIFA said Tuesday.

With little pomp and fanfare, Brazil's delegation showcased its plans in a 30-minute presentation before handing over a 900-page bid document to FIFA president Sepp Blatter. The delegation included Brazilian soccer federation president Ricardo Teixeira, former Brazil player Romario and author Paulo Coelho.

Brazil, the only candidate, presents its 2014 WCup bid to FIFA
ZURICH, Switzerland (AP): Brazil is not assured of hosting the 2014 World Cup even though it is the only bidder for the global soccer showcase, FIFA said Tuesday.

With little pomp and fanfare, Brazil's delegation showcased its plans in a 30-minute presentation before handing over a 900-page bid document to FIFA president Sepp Blatter. The delegation included Brazilian soccer federation president Ricardo Teixeira, former Brazil player Romario and author Paulo Coelho.

"This is a small ceremony but 185 million people are here with us,'' Teixeira said. Blatter said "there is still work to do'' and repeatedly reminded the delegation that a deal was far from closed.

"This is only the first step,'' he said. "The work of FIFA now is to see on site that everything you presented to us corresponds to reality and to FIFA's expectations.''

If Brazil fails to meet the requirements, FIFA will start the bidding process over again, Blatter said, "Naturally this is a scenario already in our files,'' Blatter said. "But we are well within the time zone, one year in advance, if something should happen.''

FIFA will send an inspection team to visit Brazil in late August and early September to evaluate the country's suitability. The team will be led by FIFA development officer Hugo Salcedo of the United States. Brazilian officials declined to publicly reveal detailed bid information, including budget estimates.

Four years ago at the presentation ceremony for the 2010 World Cup, Morocco, Egypt, co-bidders Tunisia and Libya, and eventual winner South Africa, all revealed details such as budget figures, crime rates, security plans and the status of their stadiums.

"Generally we have different candidates issuing bid documents for the World Cup,'' Blatter said. "This time we are alone with the CBF.''

Brazil, which hosted the 1950 World Cup, became the only candidate for 2014 after Colombia withdrew its bid in April. Tuesday's presentation emphasized Brazil's status as a developing nation, with repeated images of its car factories, and said the country has the world's 10th largest economy.

Trying to present itself as an urban rather than agricultural nation, the bid noted that more than 80 percent of Brazilians lived in urban areas.

Rio de Janeiro's annual carnival, and the 2007 Gay Parade that drew 3.5 million people, were cited as proof that Brazil was capable of successfully hosting large international events.

Brazil has 18 cities hoping to be selected as a host venue, while bid organizers are hoping for around 12. FIFA prefers between eight and 10.

"We have all looked at the conditions set by FIFA and have done everything possible and maybe even done the impossible for this bid to host the 2014 World Cup,'' said Rui Rodrigues, founder of the marketing company hired by the CBF. "Brazil is the only candidate for the 2014 World Cup, which makes our task even more difficult because it can't be compared to other countries but only on the terms of reference set by FIFA.''

FIFA's executive committee will decide on Oct. 30 whether Brazil can host the event. The country will have a final opportunity to present its bid to the committee on the previous day.

"We are very anxious _ or at least I am _ perhaps even nervous because we are really looking forward to welcoming the World Cup in our country,'' said Romario, who helped Brazil win the 1994 World Cup in the United States. "Football is not only the No. 1 sport but in Brazil, it goes even beyond that.

"We are ready to welcome an event of this magnitude and importance because we believe football was born in Brazil. May other countries forgive us but we feel that way.''

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/31/apworld/20070731222751&sec=apworld