Brazil Presents Its 2014 World Cup 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 soccer showcase. <br/><br/>FIFA president Sepp Blatter said ``there is still work

Tuesday, July 31st 2007, 10:26 am

By: News On 6

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

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said ``there is still work to do'' and reminded the delegation that a deal was far from closed. Brazil became the only candidate after Colombia withdrew its bid in April.

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 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. ``This is only the first step.''

If Brazil fails to meet the requirements, FIFA will start the bidding process over, 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 Hugo Salcedo of the United States.

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.''

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.