Colombia's bidding for Soccer World Cup 2014

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe

On the 15th July 2006, Colombia's President, Alvaro Uribe, said that Colombia's civil war had calmed down enough for the country to bid for Soccer World Cup 2014.

During a speech to inaugurate the 20th Central America and Caribbean games, taking place in the coastal resort town of Cartagena, Uribe said, ""By seeing how things were done to organise these Games, I think Colombia is capable of hosting a football World Cup. The Fatherland can do it and can do it well. The vice-president of Colombia, Mr. Francisco Santos Calderon, will start the negotiations in the name of all Colombians to be elected as the South American organizers of the 2014 World Cup."

"We are fully aware that Brazil are also a candidate to organize the competition, but we believe that Colombia has a lot to offer the world, so we are going to do all we can," Sky Sports quoted Uribe as saying in July 2006.

Conmebol on Colombia's bid

Nicolas Leoz 21 July 2006	"It's not up to me to say that they can or can't do it, the important thing is to have the dream. Sometimes it stays a dream, sometimes it becomes reality." South American Football Confederation president Nicolas Leoz.
Nestor Benitez July 2006	"If Colombia want to host the event, they should express their intention through the Colombia Football Federation . Up to now, Brazil are unquestionably our only candidate to host the 2014 World Cup." said Conmebol spokesman Nestor Benitez.

Colombia's 1986 hosting

Colombia was chosen to host Soccer World Cup 1986. However, the Cup was moved to Mexico at short notice after Colombia had to pull out due to financial problems.

Soccer World Cup track record

Colombia, dubbed the "cafeteros" (coffee boys), made their debut at the Soccer World Cup in 1962, and qualified for every Soccer World Cup finals between 1990 and 1998.