Brazil deny 2006 rumours

Brazil could yet be playing at home in 2006

The Brazilian Football Federation has denied reports they are to withdraw from bidding to host the 2006 World Cup.

South Africa's campaign director Danny Jordaan claimed he discussed a plan for Brazil to lobby for his country's 2006 bid with a reverse favour for 2010.

But Brazilian legend Zico, who is president of the bid committee, denied the claims.

South Africa are not the only ones who have been campaigning hard

England campaign director Alec McGiven

"As far as I am concerned nothing has changed," he said.

"We will be going to the Uefa congress on 30 June which is the last before the vote."

Fifa's executive committee will decide between the five countries Brazil, England, South Africa, Germany and Morocco - hoping to stage the prestigious tournament at their meeting in Zurich on 6 July.

And England's campaign director Alec McGiven remains undaunted by the new developments.

"South Africa are not the only ones who have been campaigning hard," he said.

If you want to ensure the future competitiveness of football on the African continent, Africa must get a greater share of the global football economy

South Africa's campaign director Danny Jordaan

"We have had discussions with Argentina and Paraguay on our own and we have good reason to believe we will get those votes if Brazil do pull out."

However, Jordaan is convinced that the World Cup must go to Africa to bring a greater share of the cash influx to the poor relations of world football.

"It's about the global economy of the game," he said. "If you want to ensure the future competitiveness of football on the African continent, Africa must get a greater share of the global football economy.

"One of the ways you can achieve that is to bring major events like the World up to the continent."