The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) overturned its decision to take away Costa Rica’s status as host of the 2014 U-17 Women’s World Cup, giving the country a second chance.
FIFA said it was withdrawing Costa Rica as host of the cup last February, after confirming delays in the construction of two stadiums, one in Jacó (Central Pacific) and the other in Liberia (Northern Pacific). The decision was made at a FIFA Executive Committee meeting in Zurich.
The Costa Rican government and Costa Rican Football Federation (Fedefutbol) then announced a “last ditch effort” to recover the event.
“With pride and satisfaction, I can announce that the World Cup is returning to Costa Rica. I thank FIFA Vice President and Concacaf President Jeffrey Webb for his unconditional support,” Fedefutbol President Eduardo Li said.
Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Costa Rica’s Minister of the Presidency, said the World Cup returns after several meetings with FIFA representatives in Miami and Chicago, where the tournament’s action plan was reviewed.
Costa Rica decided to abandon the building of a new stadium in Jaco, and the venues that will host the games will only have to be remodeled, including Edgardo Baltodano Stadium in Liberia and Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in the capital San Jose. San Jose’s National Stadium will serve as the event’s main venue.
The government has pledged to contribute three million U.S. dollars to complete the remodeling effort, while Fedefutbol raises another four million dollars.
Sports Minister William Corrales said a FIFA delegation is expected to visit Costa Rica in April to inspect the renovation work.
