Colombia bids for 2014 World Cup

Could Valderrama see the World Cup back in his home nation of Colombia?

Colombia has surprisingly joined the race to host the World Cup when it returns to South America in 2014.

The South American Federation (Conmebol) had put forward Brazil as the sole applicant, but Colombia intends to challenge their bid.

Colombian president Alvaro Uribe said: "I think Colombia is capable of hosting a football World Cup. I'm sure we will achieve it and will do it very well."

The country was awarded the 1986 event but withdrew with Mexico stepping in.

Uribe made the announcement at the Central and Caribbean Games, which are being held in Colombia, and has now put his vice-president Francisco Santos in charge of the project.

In 2003, Fifa president Sepp Blatter announced the 2014 World Cup would be staged in South America following the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

However, a candidate has not yet been chosen and Blatter has suggested Argentina and Chile could provide some competition to Brazil by submitting a joint bid.

Blatter has already criticised Brazil's stadiums and infrastructure but Colombia has its own political problems associated with rebel factions and drug cartels.

Colombia was not able to stage the World Cup 20 years ago because of financial problems and increased violence.