'Some want special soap, others want bananas': Brazilian hoteliers surprised by World Cup teams’ extravagant demands

Some of the 32 national teams taking part in this summer's Fifa World Cup in Brazil list some curious requirements that have surprised even the most grizzled hotelier.
 

The Uruguayans have insisted on silent airconditioning, to ensure their players have a "peaceful and quiet environment", and Ecuador want daily deliveries of their local banana varieties.

But Bosnia favour isolation. "They've asked us to install an acoustic [sound-proofed] screen," said Lourival Pierim of Casa Grande Hotel Resort & Spa in Guaruja, Sao Paulo. "The players will dine on one side and coaching staff on the other. Their chatter will not be mixed."