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U.S. Officially Bids For 2018, 2022 World Cups
U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati says that the country is ready to welcome the world and host another World Cup in either 2018 or 2022.
Feb 2, 2009 3:04:17 PM
U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati announced that the U.S. has submitted a simultaneous bid to
FIFA to host either the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup.
"We've thrown our name in the hat and advised FIFA officially on Friday," said Gulati.
Gulati then introduced some key members of the USA Bid Committee, David Downs, formerly of Univision, will be the Executive Director. Don Garber, MLS Commissioner, Dan Flynn, U.S. Soccer CEO and Phil Murphy, a board member of U.S. Soccer and investor in Women's Professional Soccer, are also involved.
"It is a privilege to be named Executive Director and have the opportunity to be part of the country's bid to bring the World Cup back to the United States,” said Downs. “I believe the sport will continue its incredible growth in this country and I know that the U.S. can host yet another first class World Cup tournament. It's a formidable challenge, but I'm looking forward to dedicating the next two years to the pursuit of that goal."
FIFA set Feb. 2, as the deadline for federations to submit the official paperwork expressing their interest to bid for either or both of the competitions. FIFA emphasized that at this initial stage in the bidding process, the only requirement is for countries to be able to demonstrate their ability to host a sporting event as large as the FIFA World Cup. That means having at least 12 stadiums with minimum capacities of between 40,000 for group matches, and 80,000 for the opening match and final. In addition, the very highest standards of TV broadcasting, information and telecommunications technology, transport and accommodation are expected. The U.S. easily meets those primary standards.
A number of other countries, including Japan, Australia, Russia and Mexico are also bidding to host.
"I know that the United States has all the qualities necessary to host a quality tournament," said Downs. "Since we last hosted the World Cup in 1994, we have grown exponentially as a soccer-friendly nation."
The U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994, when the country did not have a top-flight professional soccer league, but promised one would be founded. Major League Soccer kicked off two years later and has enjoyed steady, if not spectacular, growth.
"Out of 1994, we launched a professional league," said Gulati. "It certainly raised the profile of the game, but we've still got a long way to go."
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"We've thrown our name in the hat and advised FIFA officially on Friday," said Gulati.
Gulati then introduced some key members of the USA Bid Committee, David Downs, formerly of Univision, will be the Executive Director. Don Garber, MLS Commissioner, Dan Flynn, U.S. Soccer CEO and Phil Murphy, a board member of U.S. Soccer and investor in Women's Professional Soccer, are also involved.
"It is a privilege to be named Executive Director and have the opportunity to be part of the country's bid to bring the World Cup back to the United States,” said Downs. “I believe the sport will continue its incredible growth in this country and I know that the U.S. can host yet another first class World Cup tournament. It's a formidable challenge, but I'm looking forward to dedicating the next two years to the pursuit of that goal."
FIFA set Feb. 2, as the deadline for federations to submit the official paperwork expressing their interest to bid for either or both of the competitions. FIFA emphasized that at this initial stage in the bidding process, the only requirement is for countries to be able to demonstrate their ability to host a sporting event as large as the FIFA World Cup. That means having at least 12 stadiums with minimum capacities of between 40,000 for group matches, and 80,000 for the opening match and final. In addition, the very highest standards of TV broadcasting, information and telecommunications technology, transport and accommodation are expected. The U.S. easily meets those primary standards.
A number of other countries, including Japan, Australia, Russia and Mexico are also bidding to host.
"I know that the United States has all the qualities necessary to host a quality tournament," said Downs. "Since we last hosted the World Cup in 1994, we have grown exponentially as a soccer-friendly nation."
The U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994, when the country did not have a top-flight professional soccer league, but promised one would be founded. Major League Soccer kicked off two years later and has enjoyed steady, if not spectacular, growth.
"Out of 1994, we launched a professional league," said Gulati. "It certainly raised the profile of the game, but we've still got a long way to go."
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