Brazil looks set to host the 2014 World Cup after it received the backing of all 10 South American nations in a vote held yesterday.
The finals were awarded to South America by FIFA this month and backing of CONMEBOL effectively guarantees that Brazil host the FINALS for the first time since 1950.
“The CSF… with the unanimous support of the 10 South American federations has resolved to give its backing to Brazil as the sole candidate to organise the football World Cup in 2014, which was awarded to South America at the last FIFA meeting,” CSF president Nicolas Leoz told reporters.
“If South America has been put forward as the only continent, it’s all done,” added Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ricardo Teixeira.
“I think people who know Brazil will appreciate that some of our stadiums need a lot of reforms but we have got a lot of time to work with and we can do this bit by bit,” Teixeira added.
“Brazil is up to the task even if there are 36 teams. We have excellent stadia and airports.”
“Normally, countries are only awarded the World Cup six years in advance and this gives us a big advantage.
Last night’s agreement came after a group of five countries – Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela – agreed to back Brazil instead of going ahead with their own joint bid.
The finals were last held in South America in 1978, when Argentina played host. The decision to award the 2014 tournament to South America is part of FIFA’s plan to rotate the competition between the confederations.
