The name was determined by an online poll in which almost 1.7 million people from Brazil took part, with 48 percent of them choosing the winner as their favourite over 'Zuzeco' and 'Amijubi'.

Fuleco comes from the Portuguese words 'futebol' (football) and 'ecologia' (ecology), and FIFA says it 'seamlessly represents the way in which the FIFA World Cup can combine the two to encourage people to behave in an environmentally friendly way'.

The mascot itself represents the three-banded armadillo, which is an endangered species in Brazil and will wear the colours of the Brazilian flag.

The figure had been unveiled in September, with 12 giant, inflatable versions in all the host cities for the tournament.

At least three of them have since been taken down, however, following several violent acts against the endangered animal.