World Cup 2014: Silent air conditioners, Jacuzzis, and Ecuadorian bananas...the requests of the modern-day footballer
Brazilian newspaper Lance! has reported its fascinating findings
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A completely silent air conditioner, specifically Ecuadorian bananas, and a Jacuzzi - no, these are not the rider requests of Mariah Carey, they are apparently some of the demands of the pampered modern-day footballer for the World Cup in Brazil.
Brazilian newspaper Lance! have reported that they have obtained the weird requests put forward from some of the participating nations for the tournament, which starts in just 48 days.
One country they have not reported the demands from is England, although it would take a lot to trump their cricketing compatriots, who asked for sushi and goji berry breakfast bars during their last Ashes tour in Australia. It didn't do them much good...
Here are the demands that Lance! have reported in all their glory:
Algeria: All rooms for players and team officials need to have a Koran. Islam is the official religion of the African country.
Chile: New beds and flat screen TVs for every room.
Ecuador: Every room should contain a basket of bananas that are sourced from Ecuador.
Colombia: Have asked Sao Paulo for 15 youth players to take part in their training sessions.
Uruguay: South Americans have demanded silent air conditioning in all rooms.
France: Les Bleus have requested Kosher meat as many of their players are Muslim and will only eat animals that have not suffered during their slaughtering. France also asked for liquid soap in all bathrooms, as the players are not used to blocks of soap.
Honduras: Have asked for six Spanish TV stations to be added to their TV guides, including two Honduras channels.
Japan: Asked for a Jacuzzi in every room.
Australia: Want a selection of newspapers from around the world to be available on a daily basis.
Switzerland: Two main requirements – high speed internet and Swiss TV channels in every room.
Portugal: Asked that each room has a video game console.
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