U.S. wants World Cup

Tue., May 18, 2010

Bill Clinton is ready for another campaign, this one to bring the World Cup to the United States. The former president will serve as honorary chairman of the nation’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. The United States submitted the paperwork for the bid to FIFA last week; hosts for each tournament will be selected Dec. 2.

“We now have seven months of hard work ahead,” Clinton said at a ceremony Monday announcing the U.S. bids. “The passion for soccer has never been more visible.”

Clinton joins New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Walt Disney Company CEO Robert Iger, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former U.S. women’s star Mia Hamm on the board of directors for the bid committee.

Clinton was in office when the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup and the 1999 Women’s World Cup, attending games at both events.

Noting the ’94 tournament resulted in a $50 million surplus for U.S. Soccer and the event’s organizers, Clinton mentioned how profitable a future World Cup could be.

Also vying for both tournaments are England, Australia, Russia, and joint bids from Belgium-Netherlands and Spain-Portugal. Bidding for 2022 only are Japan, South Korea and Qatar. – Associated Press

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U.S. wants World Cup

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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