[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South Africa has withdrawn its bid to play host to the 2003 Confederations Cup, which leaves the United States, France and Australia as the remaining candidates.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 month

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/02/sp.../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.