Colombia withdraws bid to host 2014 World Cup

BOGOTA, Apr 11 (Reuters) Colombia has withdrawn its bid to host the 2014 World Cup leaving Brazil as the only candidate to stage the event, a source at the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) said today.

The source told Reuters the federation had sent a letter to soccer's world governing body FIFA announcing its decision.

South America is due to stage the tournament under a rotation system introduced by FIFA. The other eight South American federations have all backed Brazil.

Last month, Colombia President Alvaro Uribe criticised FIFA president Sepp Blatter for dismissing the bid as a publicity stunt.

''Before he can say that, he has to get rid of all the mafia who have infected football, and respect Colombia,'' Uribe said.

The FCF had also agreed to back Brazil at a meeting of the South American federations in 2003 but broke ranks last year after Uribe said he wanted the country to launch a bid.

Brazil and Colombia knew they would have to invest heavily in new stadiums and infrastructure. Blatter has already suggested the tournament could ''go north'' if South America does not provide a suitable bid.

Security is also a major worry in both nations while Brazil is facing an air traffic control crisis which has caused widespread delays over the last few months.

Colombia were awarded the 1986 World Cup but pulled out two years before it was due to be played because of financial difficulties and Mexico staged the tournament instead.

Brazil hosted the 1950 World Cup and also launched a bid for the 2006 event but withdrew two days before the final vote.

REUTERS PDS PM0030