Pele absence bemuses Platini as Brazil seek 2014 World Cup

AFP - 29 October 2007 19:51

UEFA president Michel Platini expressed surprise Monday at the absence of the legendary striker Pele, seen here in 2007, from Brazil´s delegation after they presented their candidacy to host the 2014 World Cup.

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - UEFA president Michel Platini expressed surprise Monday at the absence of the legendary striker Pele from Brazil's delegation after they presented their candidacy to host the 2014 World Cup.

"How come Pele hasn't come to an event like this and isn't directly involved in the promotion of the World Cup in Brazil?" the head of European football's governing body asked Brazilian journalists.

"He is Brazilian football!"

The Brazilian journalists told Platini that relations were not good between the player known as "The King" and Brazilian football federation president, Ricardo Teixeira.

"Differences must be put aside for the good of the event," Platini responded.

The Brazilian delegation is being led by the country's president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Brazil is the sole candidate for the 2014 World Cup, with world football's ruling body FIFA set to officially name the host country for the event on Tuesday.