Rio, January 9, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Executive Committee of the South American Soccer Confederation (Conmebol) confirmed the participation of the Brazilian female soccer selection in the Athens Olympics. Brazil will be the only South American representative.

The Conmebol decided to confirm the selection's presence at a time when countries are facing difficulties in putting together female teams. Brazil was Pan-American champion at the Santo Domingo Games, in the Dominican Republic, last year, as well as being the South American champion and having turned in an outstanding performance at the last world championship, disputed in the United States. The organization also classified the Brazilians for the second phase of the South American Female Championship, this May, which will qualify two selections for the Sub-19 World Championship in Thailand, next November.

The coach, Paulo Gonçalves, is keeping his job. In the World Cup, disputed in the United States, the Brazilian selection finished in sixth place. (DAS)