Venezuela to host 2007 Copa America
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-07-13 08:51

Hoping to give a boost to football in a country which loves baseball more, South American football officials have chosen Venezuela as the hosts of the 2007 Copa America.

It will be the first time football's oldest tournament is to be staged in Venezuela. Since 1987, the Copa have been rotated among the 10 South American teams and Venezuela are the 10th hosts.

Venezuelan officials late on Saturday unveiled preliminary plans for hosting the tournament which will be held in eight cities and require the construction of at least two new stadiums.

"This will undoubtedly plant the seed for the growth of football in Venezuela,"said Richard Paez, the country's national coach.

To host the tournament, Venezuela will need to upgrade many of its stadiums since most do not currently comply with FIFA regulations, officials said.

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