Confederations Cup 2003 Update

[anderson]

Haven't seen this posted yet, but please feel free to delete this thread if it's already up somewhere.

From the 9/2 NYT:South Africa has withdrawn its bid to play host to the 2003 Confederations Cup, which leaves the United States, France and Australia as the remaining candidates. FIFA is expected to announce a site later this monthhttp://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/02/sports/soccer/03SOCCER.html. All the way at the bottom in the "Corner Kicks" section.

Seems like the Aussies may have trouble coming up with the cash to run this thing. Also, IIRC, NZ is the Oceania qualifier, so that would include two OFC teams, which may not be good for global interest.

I think that France as host would allow Italy (UEFA runner-up) in as the UEFA rep., which would make for a more attractive field. Plus, Platini is a valued ally of Sepp.

[Eric B]

Originally posted by anderson
I think that France as host would allow Italy (UEFA runner-up) in as the UEFA rep., which would make for a more attractive field. Plus, Platini is a valued ally of Sepp.

They might also give it to France to butter UEFA, who wan't to withdraw after '05...

[sidspaceman]

Wasn't there a story in the LA Times a while back that pretty much said that FIFA was leaning towards France?

[The Magpie]

I've also seen Four Four Two suggest rather explicitly that it will be France.

The Magpie

[BuffloSoldier]

One could argue that a France location for the Cup could make it easier for Bruce (or whomever) to convince YA's to play in the tournament.

[fidlerre]

if in france, when will it be held? date wise?

[appoo]

sometime in June I think. Dog Days of the MLS and off-season for Europe

[Bora Fan]

Wouldn't attendance in France bite the big one v. what could be expected in the US?

That's where FIFA will make it's money - not on the tv rights to tournament.

[flanoverseas]

I vote for France :)

[MetroTard]

Originally posted by Bora Fan
Wouldn't attendance in France bite the big one v. what could be expected in the US?

Do you honestly see anyone travelling to this? It means nothing.

[photar74]

If it was held in the USA, would FIFA allow MLS to set up doubleheaders?

[Spartak]

Originally posted by photar74
If it was held in the USA, would FIFA allow MLS to set up doubleheaders?
Yes, but FIFA would take all of the revenues. So I don't see why MLS would do it.

[Atouk]

Originally posted by fidlerre
if in france, when will it be held? date wise? It is supposed to be held from June 18 to June 29 next year regardless of where it's held.

I haven't yet heard the dates of the 2003 Gold Cup, but if Arena takes some of the same players to both, they'll likely miss at least six weekends of MLS play (the Gold Cup takes three weekends to get to the Final/Third Place match and the Confed Cup would start on a Wednesday and go through two weekends, so they'd need to be together the weekend before for practice and/or travel).

Therefore, I'm guessing we'll have mostly different teams in the two tournaments, with many guys getting a chance to show their stuff as Arena starts contemplating the 2004 qualifiers.

[Bill Duggan]

Although I would love to see it in the US, France is the better candidate for Fifa and probably our chances. Reyna, Friedel, Sanneh, and other YA's will play in this. Probably a good way to say buh-bye to Reyna (Who likelely will retire from USNT play after this) and we could actualy do something in this.
Also, it would be a more entertaining tourny if it is in France. Plus the future of the tourny would be saved if UEFA decides to continue.

[Martin Fischer]

Reyna has said that he won't play for the Nats for the next two years. If this is true, then Reyna won't pla in this tourney, regardless of location.

And why is it that the Euros are more likely to play the tourney if it is France, rather than the US? I thought that most of the Euros preferred to spend at least part of their vacation in the US anyway.

[appoo]

Originally posted by Bill Duggan
Reyna, Friedel, Sanneh, and other YA's will play in this. Probably a good way to say buh-bye to Reyna (Who likelely will retire from USNT play after this) and we could actualy do something in this.

Ok reality check. Reyna is actually playing his best soccer in his career right now. He is actually GETTING BETTER. He is in great shape and so far this season he looks durable. He is a player that is not reliant on his speed so as long as his ankles and his agility holds up, I think he'll be a damn good C-Mid for us in 4 years. A player of his caliber won't let his skills erode

[GIO17]

appooOnU: You forgot about CLaudio's Groin. We all hope it's healthy.

[JRedknapp11]

This tournament takes place after the club season...wether it's in France or the US , players abroad from the US will be able to join the national team no matter where this tournament is held.


As for the final choice it's a win/win for the US. If we lose to France then it looks like we are a lock for the WCC in 05'. Fifa is very interested in wether we can hold another profitable tournament....especially with Fifa/Blatter screaming broke.

[Scrandal]

The WC was just in France so why give them another big tourney? The '05 CC will be in Germany so seems really strange that FIFA would have two in Europe in secession.

The LA Times article on the subject never indicated one way or the other where this tourney would go. And as for 4-4-2 what was their reasoning?

In my opinion it's either the USA or Australia and with our ability to make it profitable as compared to Australia I think it's a no brainer to have it here on the East Coast. East coast because the West coast will likely host the Gold cup.

The USSF is selling this thing hard, MLS will cooperate and literally cut the schedule back significiantly, and the travel distance is far easier to the States than Australia.

IMHO our only drawback would be the fact that we have the Gold Cup and Confederation Cup almost back to back.

[csh2000]

In a conference call after being re-elected U.S. Soccer President on August 9, Contiguglia said:

On any updates or decision on U.S. Soccer’s bid to host the 2003 FIFA Confederation Cup:
"I have no contact with CONCACAF or FIFA regarding the Confederations Cup in 2003. We have submitted a letter of intent (to host the event) and then it is up to FIFA to meet and decide the venue."

It sounds like we want to host, but aren't aggressively pursuing it.

I know it's a smaller event, but I don't know if FIFA would give it to UEFA two times in a row - 2003 and Germany in 2005. Especially after UEFA said a few months ago that they would end their participation in it after 2005.