Rio de Janeiro, April 6 (IANS) FIFA banned the naming of Brasilia’s 2014 World Cup stadium after former Brazil idol Mane Garrincha.
Built in 1974, the stadium was renamed in honour of the two-time World Cup winner after his death in 1983. In explaining the decision, FIFA said the Garrincha reference contravened its naming rights policy for venues used at major events, reports Xinhua.
The stadium, which will host the first match of the Confederations Cup between Brazil and Japan June 15 and seven World Cup matches, will be referred to as Brasilia National Stadium during both tournaments. The venue has had its capacity increased from 45,000 to 71,000 under a $500 million facelift due to be completed April 21.
It is not the first time FIFA has vetoed the use of a stadium name during the World Cup. In 2006, Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena was temporarily rebranded Munich Arena while the governing body also blocked the use of African names for 2010 World Cup venues in South Africa.
Garrincha won 60 international caps for Brazil and was a member of the country’s 1958 and 1962 World Cup-winning teams.
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