2014 FIFA World Cup latest news
12th April 2007
Colombia withdraw bid for 2014 World Cup
A Brazilian bid for the 2014 World Cup will almost certainly be unopposed after the news that Colombia have withdrawn from the race to host the competition. Colombian FA President Luis Bedoya said, "After analysing all the aspects involved in the organisation of the FIFA World Cup 2014, the Colombian Football Federation has decided to withdraw the candidature".
The Colombian bid was seen by many as a political stunt by Colombian President Alvaro Uribe - suspicions confirmed by the Colombian withdrawal. The president had promised the funds for the Colombian bid but with so many new stadia to build and a massive updating of the infrastructure in the country needed, it always seemed unlikely that the Colombian bid could stay on the rails.
The country had to pull out of the hosting of the 1986 tournament when projected costs rose past $50 million. The 1986 World Cup went instead to Mexico.