FIFA has announced that the armadillo mascot for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be called ‘Fuleco’.
The name was determined by an online poll in which almost 1.7 million people from Brazil took part, with 48 per cent of them choosing the winner as their favourite over ‘Zuzeco’ and ‘Amijubi’.
According to the organisation, the word ‘Fuleco’ is a term which is being used to raise awareness about football and the environment.
Fuleco has its own home page and Twitter account, which said on Monday: “Thanks Brazil! There were more than 1.700.000 votes. Now I have a name and it is Fuleco!”
The mascot is a three-banded armadillo, which is an endangered species in Brazil and will wear the colours of the Brazilian flag.
The mascot 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 São Paulo this week at the draw for the 2013 Confederations Cup, which takes place on Saturday.
