Five proposed football cities in Rio de Janeiro’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games were confirmed Sunday as host cities for the 2014 World Cup by the FIFA Executive Committee.
The five cities – Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Salvador – were approved among 12 cities for the 2014 event, according to a press release.
Rio 2016 President Carlos Arthur Nuzman said, “the selection of the 2014 cities further reinforces the benefits of hosting two major international sporting events like the World Cup and the Games in succession. Our bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is fully aligned with the needs of Rio, the other cities, and Brazil’s long-term development plans.
“The 2014 World Cup means that our proposed Olympic football venues will boast new and modern stadiums well ahead of the Games. We will also witness significant investments in airports, transportation infrastructure, accommodation, telecommunications and security in the coming years leading up to 2014. Moreover, the World Cup will contribute to training new professionals with experience in large sporting events, many of whom we hope will be able to work with us to deliver the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games”.
Maracana Stadium, which is expected to host the World Cup final, has also been proposed by Rio 2016 to host the 2016 Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as the football finals.
