It's Official... WWC to US

jmeissen0 · May 26, 2003

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=268269&cc=5901

great news for SUM, MLS and WUSA

feuerfex · May 26, 2003

The actual press release:

http://www.fifa.com/en/display/mrel,69337.html

AndyMead · May 26, 2003

FIFA Press Release
FIFA Women's World Cup 2003 to be held in USA

The FIFA Emergency Committee has taken the decision to relocate the 4th FIFA Women's World Cup, originally due to be played in China PR, to the United States of America. Four other countries had also submitted an offer to step in for China PR: Sweden, Australia, Italy and Canada.

The exact schedule of the competition will be announced shortly, but the tournament will still take place around the same period (23 September - 11 October 2003), with only a few minor changes to the schedule.

The Emergency Committee has also decided that China PR will retain its automatic qualification for the tournament. Furthermore, the allocation of qualification slots per confederation will remain the same - AFC 2.5, CAF 2, CONCACAF 2.5, CONMEBOL 2, OFC 1, UEFA 5, plus China PR. Mexico will face an AFC opponent in a playoff for the final slot upon completion of the AFC qualification tournament, due to be held from 10-22 June 2003 in Thailand.

"I would like to sincerely thank those national associations that declared an interest in organising the FIFA Women's World Cup 2003 in such trying circumstances. The Women's World Cup in 1999 was so successful that FIFA is delighted to see the event return to the United States. Finally, I would like to reiterate my gratitude to the Chinese Football Association for their understanding and cooperation with FIFA following the Executive Committee's decision on 3 May," said FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter.

Note: the FIFA Executive Committee has awarded the FIFA Women's World Cup 2007 to China.
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crestuden · May 26, 2003

Ching-ching baby. Its a good day for SUM and MLS.

Red Card · May 26, 2003

Any conflict with MLS playoffs?

Anthony · May 26, 2003

Originally posted by Red Card
Any conflict with MLS playoffs?
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Actually, this is a great run in to the MLS playoffs. The WWC is supposed to run from September 23 to OCtober 11. The MLS regular season ends October 25.

If I were Garber, I would have MLS players and booths in front of every stadium during the WWC. There will be youth teams coming to watch the games -- get some leaflets out there.

And commercials during the games for the MLS playoofs.

purojogo · May 27, 2003

This is something to think about....

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/Stories/0,1413,206~11842~1417029,00.html
"U.S. Soccer Secretary General Dan Flynn said roughly half of the venues chosen will be stadiums with a capacity of more than 50,000, and half with a minimum of at least 30,000.

Flynn talked about the possibility of returning to the Rose Bowl, but hinted the Home Depot Center, which has 27,000 seats, is also an attractive site. Seats could be added to reach the 30,000 minimum."

This would mean Columbus Crew Stadium is out of contention, and perhaps HDC if the 30000 seating minimum is not met (Is this a FIFA regulation?)

myshap · May 27, 2003

I think CCS can put 30,000 in there with extra seats in the south end and SRO. Probably won't need it unless the USWNT plays there, but I don't think they will. I don't see USSF passing up CCS because ultimatly it's one of the venues least likely to have conflicts. The Crew play only one home game during that time period. Plus Hunt would go apeshit.