With the FIFA World Cup 2014 beginning this week, Breaking Travel News here takes a look at the sporting and cultural history of host’s Brazil. Founded in 1914 and affiliated to FIFA since 1923, the Confederaçao Brasileira de Futebol boasts a staggering list of honours.

FIFA has revealed the impressive interest from its member associations in hosting a FIFA competition, after the bidding process was opened for eight tournaments including the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019. A total of 31 declarations of interest have been received and FIFA has submitted the bidding documents, which the relevant member associations have to sign and return before the FIFA Executive Committee assigns the tournament.

With the 2014 FIFA World Cup launching in Brazil, the retail operation of FIFA’s licensing business is getting into full swing, offering both Brazilian and international football fans their chance to secure a souvenir to remember the event.

Abu Dhabi’s credentials as a world-class watersports destination will be on full parade at the biggest gathering of global sailing fans this summer, with the emirate signing on as ‘Official Destination Partner’ to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, the world’s pre-eminent sailing festival. The annual festival will take place in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, England from August 2nd-9th 2014.

Smart Group, the leading collection of events and hospitality experts, has announced the launch of new stand-out hospitality brand, Smart Experiences, launching its first package at Royal Ascot in June – which will include everything from a Mad Hatters Tea Party to a Friday night curry night. Currently working alongside Smart Hospitality’s creative director, Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett, Smart Experiences creates corporate and private hospitality packages at some of the UK’s biggest sporting events, for which Smart Group are official partners.

Arsenal’s FA Cup celebrations moved from London to Dubai today when vice captain Mikel Arteta made a special visit to Emirates’ headquarters carrying the FA Cup. Fresh from Saturday’s victory over Hull City, Arteta met the airline’s president, Tim Clark, before meeting staff who flocked to see and take pictures of the Arsenal star with the prized silverware.