(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-01 16:03

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil's largest city Sao Paulo presented to world soccer governing body FIFA its bid to host the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup, event planner Sao Paulo Turismo's Director Caio Luiz de Carvalho told the local press on Friday.

De Carvalho, who participated in a union event along with Brazil's Minister of Tourism Marta Suplicy on Friday, showed the arguments used by the company to try to convince FIFA of the city's potential as venue to the ceremony.

According to him, the Morumbi stadium, Sao Paulo's main football arena, will undergo reforms that will demand investments of 30 million to 35 million reais (US$16.7 million to 20.1 million). Football club Sao Paulo, which runs the stadium, or a partner investor will account for the project, he explained.

The reforms, which are expected to be ready by December 2008, include the expansion of Morumbi's roof, as well as the construction of a media center and of a parking building, with capacity for 4,800 vehicles. The stadium will have its public capacity extended to up to 68,000.

Brazil was announced venue of the 2014 World Cup in October. Twelve Brazilian cities are in the race to host the competition's events.