Manaus to host football at Rio 2016 Olympics
Updated: 2015-03-18 10:43
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
A view of the Arena Amazonia stadium as its lights are tested two weeks before the planned inauguration, in Manaus in this February 13, 2014 file photo. Six cities and seven stadiums are to be used as soccer venues for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, FIFA announced on March 16, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
RIO DE JANEIRO -- Manaus has been named as one of six host cities for football matches at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, organizers said on Monday.
Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador, Brasilia and Belo Horizonte were the other cities chosen during a meeting of FIFA's Olympic football committee in Zurich.
The 58 men's and women's matches will be staged at Corinthians Arena (Sao Paulo), the Maracana and Olympic Stadium (Rio de Janeiro), Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador), Mane Garrincha Stadium (Brasilia), Amazonia Arena (Manaus) and the Mineirao (Belo Horizonte).
All of the stadiums were used during last year's FIFA World Cup.
"The inclusion of Manaus in the Rio 2016 Olympic schedule will enrich the tournament with a visit of the football players to one of the most iconic locations in the world," Rio 2016 president Carlos Nuzman said.H
"I am certain that the Amazon will welcome the Olympic world with a memorable celebration."
Football is the only sport that will be played outside of Rio de Janeiro during the Games.
The men's competition will comprise 16 teams and the women's event 12.
FIFA's Olympic football committee chairman Marco Polo Del Nero said last year's FIFA World Cup showed Brazil was ready to stage more top-level football tournaments.
"[It] will be a fantastic opportunity to revive the great atmosphere seen during the World Cup, not only in Rio de Janeiro, but also in the other five cities," Del Nero said.
"They did an excellent job in 2014, and now they can use the World Cup stadiums and infrastructure already in place to unite the country for a major event once more. I am confident that the participating teams will have an unforgettable Olympic experience."
Hosts Brazil and South American under-20 champions Argentina have already qualified for the men's tournament while Brazil and Copa America runners-up Colombia have booked berths in the women's draw.
The remaining places will be decided by April 2016.
The men's tournament, which begins on August 4, will feature players up to the age of 23 with each team allowed three overage representatives.
The women's competition, scheduled to start on August 3, has no age restrictions.
- China prepares for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games
- Manaus enters race to host Rio 2016 Olympic Games football matches
- Promo film of Beijing's bid for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games (May 8)
- Boston will bid to host 2024 Olympic Games
- German officials pick Hamburg to bid for 2024 Olympics
- Political advisors voice support for Beijing's Olympics bid
- Skyscraper built in 19 days
- CCTV exposes cheating, fraud by companies
- Philly wants more Chinese tourists
- Made with China is a main feature of CeBIT 2015
- Smog shrouds Beijing after 'two sessions'
- Traditional skill on the verge of vanishing
- China's top 10 mobile apps by monthly active users
- Cyclone Pam claims 24 lives in Vanuatu
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Spring Festival trends reflect a changing China |
Patent applications lead the world |
BC lures Chinese tourists |
Festival Special: Apps that make holiday shopping easier |
Alibaba places China smartphone business bet with $590m Meizu deal |
Today's Top News
Skyscraper built in 19 days
Xi recognizes Kissinger as 'trailblazer'
Huayi Brothers clinches films deal
China paying more attention to corporate governance
President Xi sees Harvard head
US easily top exporter of arms; China No. 3, but imports dive
Rising steel imports spur calls for action in Washington
Huayi Brothers Media Corp clinches US films deal
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |