SOCCER

SAO PAULO -- Cities in Brazil could spend more than $40 billion on infrastructure alone for the 2014 World Cup, according to a report Wednesday.

The 12 cities hosting matches have projected spending a total of $41.7 billion, Globo's G1 Web site said.

The total includes costs for new stadiums and improvements in transportation, public safety, health systems and several other areas, G1 said after analyzing the projects of each city. The money for the projects is expected to come from both the public and private sectors.

Nearly half of the total investments are expected to take place in Sao Paulo, South America's biggest city, which plans to spend $19.1 billion.

Brasilia, the capital city, said it plans to spend only $315 million, mostly on the renovation of Mane Garrincha Stadium.

Other cities hosting matches are Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Salvador, Recife, Natal, Fortaleza, Manaus and Cuiaba.

Fonte: http://www.theeagle.com/sports/Third--amp-amp--Short2009-07-22T22-22-16