SAO PAULO — FIFA has named the mascot for the 2014 Brazil World Cup “Fuleco,” a word which organizers say transmits a message of environmental awareness. Almost half of the more than 1.7 million people who voted in an online poll chose Fuleco ahead of ‘Zuzeco' and ‘Amijubi'. The mascot is a three-banded armadillo, which is an endangered species in Brazil. The tradition of a World Cup mascot dates back to 1966, when a lion named ‘World Cup Willie' was chosen for the tournament in England. Since then, the mascots have ranged from two German boys “Tip and Tap” in 1974, to “Pique” the chili pepper in Mexico in 1986, and “Zakumi” the leopard, who represented the tournament in South Africa in 2010. The yellow and blue armadillo was chosen in September and huge inflatable versions were set up in Brazil's 12 host cities. However, authorities were forced to take them down or increase security in at least three cities after vandals attacked them. Fuleco is expected to make an appearance in Sao Paulo this week at the draw for the 2013 Confederations Cup. The draw for the World Cup warm-up competition takes place Saturday. The naming of the mascot came on the same day that FIFA unveiled the posters to be used to publicize the tournament. Each of the 12 host cities has its own poster. FIFA begins final tour FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke and local organizers have started their final tour of World Cup host cities in Brazil, making stops at Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Curitiba. They are the last of the 12 host cities to be visited by 2014 World Cup organizers this year. Sao Paulo will host the tournament's opener and Rio de Janeiro the final at Maracana Stadium. Valcke has been joined by Brazil Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo and former Brazil players Bebeto and Ronaldo, who are members of the local World Cup organizing committee. The tour will end with a board meeting of the local organizing committee Wednesday, three days before the Confederations Cup draw in Sao Paulo. FIFA official questioned A FIFA executive committee member has been interrogated by Brazilian police investigating financial crimes and the sale of confidential information. Marco Polo del Nero, who is also the vice president of the Brazilian football federation and the president of the Sao Paulo state football federation, denies any wrongdoing and says the investigation has nothing to do with his position as a football official. Police did not name del Nero or say the operation was connected to football. Del Nero told local media he “has nothing to fear.” Thirty-three people were arrested and 34 questioned, including del Nero. Police also checked information inside computers at his home. Police say the operation is intended to investigate the sale of confidential information stolen from politicians, judges, banks and a local television station. — Agencies
