Palmeiras makes official bid to host 2014 World Cup
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The president of the Palmeiras athletic club, Luis Gonzaga Belluzo, announced on Tuesday the bid to have his team's stadium to host games during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Other candidates include Corinthians' Pacaembu stadium and Sao Paulo's stadium, Morumbi.
"We sent all the necessary documents. I do not want to interfere in the final decision and will not lobby. We don't intend on hosting the opening match of the World Cup but are suggesting that we rent out the stadium for World Cup use. I sent everything that the state government requested," said Belluzzo.
The Arena Palestra is under construction and is expected to be ready by the end of 2011. Corinthians' Pacaembu stadium needs renovation that would cost nearly 200,000 U.S. dollars and Morumbi has been repeatedly criticized by FIFA for fan visibility problems and accessibility.
Hypothetically, if the Arena Palestra is selected and Palmeiras' head coach Luis Felipe Scolari is called back to coach the Brazilian national soccer team, then the coach could potentially lead Brazil in his home stadium.
