Our message to FIFA is glass is half-full says USA bid

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

June 13 – The United States have tried to take advantage of Australia’s problems with the rival codes by insisting that they have no problem with gaining control of the stadiums that they want to use for the World Cup.

The race to host the 2022 tournament is increasingly being seen as a contest between Australia and the US but Australia’s bid has been undermined by the row over the use of stadiums currently controlled by the Australian Football League (AFL).

Frank Lowy, the chairman of Football Federation Australia (FFA), has claimed that the situtation has now been sorted out but the US are still hoping to exploit the row.

David Downs, the executive director of the USA bid, told AAP: “Our situation is very fortunate.

“We have the timing in our favour.

“These 80,000-plus stadiums of which we have several in the United States, are built first and foremost for the National Football League which doesn’t play in the summer months.

“They’re vacant, and there’s no conflict.

“Intelligently, all the owners of these venues are all very aware of how much of a draw international soccer is in the United States.”

Downs is also pushing the message that any team that plays in a World Cup in the US will be able to rely on support.

He said: ”One of the strengths of our bid is we’re a diverse population in the United States that has supporters from all nations of the World Cup.

“For any team that’s participating, they’re going to find a legion of fans and a very hospitable experience awaiting them.

“It’s hard to find somebody in the US who’s violently opposed because we’ve got the funding and we’re using existing buildings and facilities.

“Our message to FIFA is that the glass is half-full.

“FIFA had the vision to bring the World Cup in 1994 when they knew the United States was technically prepared, but perhaps it was not emotionally prepared.

“It turned out a pretty good World Cup and it created development in the sport.

“The difference between the United States in soccer where it was in 1994 and where it is today is pretty dramatic.”

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