Ronaldo to lead Brazil preparations for 2014 World Cup

PanARMENIAN.Net - Brazilian football legend Ronaldo is set to lead his country's preparations for the 2014 World Cup, as a report suggests that he has accepted the opportunity to take charge of the Local Organizing Committee, Goal.com reported.

The 1994 and 2002 World Cup winner will meet with Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president and former head of the LOC Ricardo Teixeira on Wednesday, November 30, in order to finalise the tasks his new role will entail. Ronaldo will then be officially presented as the new head on Thursday.

Teixeira chose to step away from the spotlight after being embroiled in allegations of corruption and fraud, and offered the former Barcelona and Inter star the chance to replace him at the weekend. 'O Fenomeno' will hence follow in the footsteps of iconic former players like Franz Beckenbauer and Michel Platini, who played major roles in organizing the 2006 and 1998 tournaments respectively.

Ronaldo's former international team-mate Cafu was among several illustrious names who lent their approval to the decision.

"I approve and I believe that he can do a great job. There are so many people that are linked with football and that are not athletes, they do not understand much. Ronaldo has his business, so he knows how to administrate. He will become a better leader with time and experience," the World Cup winner affirmed.

The 2014 World Cup preparations have been dogged by claims that the project is behind schedule, with the country's infrastructure and transport network coming under particular scrutiny.