Rio de Janeiro, Feb 15 : Rio's iconic Maracana stadium is the preferred venue of Brazil's top-flight footballers, according to research institute Datafolha.

A survey of 292 players and coaches in Brazil's Serie A championship placed the Maracana No. 1 alongside the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, reports Xinhua.

Salvador's Arena Fonte Nova, the Morumbi in Sao Paulo and Brasilia's Mane Garrincha followed.

Of the top five, only the Morumbi won't be used during this year's World Cup.

The survey rated venues on stadium access, dressing rooms, lighting, playing surface, atmosphere and security, among other factors.

The worst-ranked stadium was Vila Capanema in Curitiba, belonging to Serie B outfit Parana Clube.(IANS)