Colombia confirmed it will join the race to host the World Cup when it returns to South America in 2014. Colombian president Alvaro Uribe is confident the country is capable of hosting the prestigious tournament. "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 was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. In 2003, FIFA president Sepp Blatter pledged the 2014 World Cup would be held in South America following the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Uribe's declaration means that Colombia will challenge Brazil, who are currently the sole applicants under consideration by the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol). "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. However, a host country has not been confirmed and Blatter has criticized Brazil's stadiums and infrastructure. The FIFA president has implied Argentina and Chile could provide competition to Brazil by submitting a joint bid. While Blatter questioned Brazil's suitability, he might also be skeptical of Colombia which has its own political problems associated with rebel factions and drug cartels. The country had been awarded the 1986 World Cup but withdrew due to financial problems and increased violence. Mexico stepped in to stage the event. Uribe made the announcement at the Central and Caribbean Games, which are being held in Colombia, and has placed his vice-president in charge of the venture. "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," said Uribe.
