By Andrew Warshaw
April 11 – Rio de Janeiro will definitely stage the qualifying draw for the 2014 World Cup on July 30, FIFA announced today, ending speculation that Sao Paolo or Brasilia may get the nod.
Last month, FIFA said a host city for the draw was undecided because contracts were not signed.
But the world governing body confirmed that it would go ahead as hoped in Rio – at the Marina da Gloria, the scheduled sailing venue for 2016 Olympic and Paralympics Games.
The 2014 Finals are due tol take place from June 13-July 13 that year in 12 cities.
But preparations have already been criticised by FIFA.
Last week it emerged that the iconic Maracana stadium, due to host the final, will require a new roof and may not be ready until 2013.
Many other stadiums are behind schedule and even the great Pele has warned that his country “is running a huge risk of embarrassing itself” in its handling of the tournament.
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