Lula to travel to Zurich for FIFA decision on 2014 World Cup

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to travel to Switzerland next week to take part in the announcement of FIFA's decision on who will host the football World Cup in 2014, the Brazilian Presidency confirmed Monday. Brazil is the only candidate to host the tournament, because rival Colombia stood down in April. However, FIFA has made it clear that it will open the race again if the Brazilian candidacy is not suitable. Lula is scheduled to arrive in Zurich - where FIFA has its headquarters - on October 29. On that day, the Brazilian committee is set to present its plans for the greatest football event in the world. On the following day, Lula will await the confirmation that Brazil is to organize its second World Cup, after the 1950 edition. The decision will be based on a report by FIFA inspectors who travelled to Brazil in August and visited the stadiums that are intended to host World Cup games. Lula will travel to Switzerland along with Sports Minister Orlando Silva, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ricardo Teixeira, Brazilian national coach Carlos Dunga and the veteran striker Romario. dpa re vs sc