As Brazil rushes to ready facilities to host next summer's men's World Cup and the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Rebelo revealed that he has had correspondence with FIFA President Sepp Blatter about also taking on the task of hosting the women's World Cup in 2019 - the same year in which they are due to host the men's continental cup, the Copa Sudamericana.

"I proposed the idea," he said.

"I think other countries are interested in holding the event.

"We'll have to look at the calendar.

"If we don't get it for 2019, then we'll have to look at another year [2023]."

Brazil are interested in hosting the 2019 women's FIFA World Cup




Rebelo made the announcement as a new 20-team women's club league was launched on the eve of its kick-off.

State-owned bank Caixa Economica Federal will pump $4 million (£2.5 million/€3 million) into the Campeonato Brasileiro - the first edition of which is due to run until December 1 - as well as covering the travel costs of all teams involved.

"Eight years ago the CBF hosted the women's Copa do Brasil, and the competition was truly nationwide," said Rebelo.

"The tournament featured clubs from 26 states, and this league will be another competition for women's football in Brazil."

The first season of the competition will include the top 20 clubs in Brazil, and aims to encourage heightened professionalism in the women's domestic game.

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