In a development with wider implications for Australian groups looking at business opportunities in Brazil, the city of Sao Caetano do Sul, adjacent to the Sao Paulo metropolitan area, has indicated its willingness to be an integral part of the 2014 World Cup by hosting one of the 31 visiting teams in the lead up to and during the event.
City councillor Fabio Palácio stated this week that they are currently considering a major refurbishment of São Caetano stadium in a plan to bring the facility up to FIFA standards whilst also reformulating it into a multi-use arena. The move aims to ensure Sao Caetano do Sul, which is already on a shortlist of 41 Brazilian cities around the country in the running to be sub-hosts for the Cup, can offer top class facilities to one of the competing nations. Only four additional cities, beyond the 12 hosts, will be selected.
In addition to the opportunities in Sao Caetano do Sul itself, the development also highlights the wide range of requirements in Brazil in the lead up to the 2014 Cup. Although only four sub-hosts will be chosen, the competition to win one of these spots is already driving a spate of refurbishment and development projects throughout the country.