Colombia to bid for World Cup

Colombia have made a surprise entry into the bidding to host the 2014 World Cup.

With FIFA president Sepp Blatter announcing that the tournament is bound for South America, it was thought that Brazil’s application would be unopposed.

But Colombian president Alvaro Uribe has announced that his government will also challenge.

During his speech at the opening ceremony of the 20th Central American and Caribbean Games, Uribe said: “By seeing how things were done to organise these Games, I think Colombia is capable of hosting a football World Cup. I’m sure we will achieve it and will do it very well.”

Uribe has put vice-president Francisco Santos in charge of the project.

Colombia was awarded the 1986 World Cup, but had to withdraw and pass the honour to Mexico.