March 30 – Tim Leiweke (pictured right), the President and chief executive, of AEG has joined the Board if Directors of the United States World Cup Bid Committee, it was announced today.
AEG are owners of Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy and were behind the multi-million dollar deal that took David Beckham to the US.
Leiweke joins such leading business, sports, politicians and entertainment figures as former world champion boxer Oscar De La Hoya, Academy Award-nominated director Spike Lee, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Walt Disney Company President and chief executive Robert Iger and comedian and Seattle Sounders FC part-owner Drew Carey on the committee.
Leiweke’s boss, Philip Anschutz and on of the Galaxy’s players, Landon Donovan are also on the Committee.
Sunil Gulati, the chairman of the USA Bid Committee and President of US Soccer, said: ”AEG has an unparalleled history with soccer in the United States and Tim has played an important role in developing the sport’s legacy in this country for many years.
“He is a tireless worker whose international experience and industry connections will be invaluable assets to the USA Bid Committee moving forward.”
Leiwke said: ”Having worked in soccer for much of my professional life, I am privileged to join the quest to bring the sport’s ultimate event - the FIFA World Cup - back to the United States.
“The growth of the passion for the sport in our country has undoubtedly resulted in the growth of its economy and yet, the opportunity to reach its full maturity is still in front of us.
“Another World Cup in the USA would help turn the estimated 90 million fans of the sport in our country into a strong global market force.”
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