Copenhagen - Football legend Pele defended Wednesday the huge 14-billion-dollar investment plan Rio de Janeiro has put in place in an effort to win the right to host the 2016 Olympic Games. "Brazil is hosting the 2014 World Cup and through this nearly half of the entire Olympic investment is dealt with," the 68-year-old said in Copenhagen ahead of Friday's International Olympic Committee (IOC) vote.
"The question of public money is always an issue in Brazil but large events have always taken place successfully," added the three- time world champion.
Rio is battling with Chicago, Madrid and Tokyo for the 2016 Games and has secured the assistance of Pele in its attempt to win over the IOC.
