The United States bid to host the 2022 World Cup believes it has an ace in the hole - a popular former U.S. president.
President Bill Clinton, the honorary chairman of the U.S. bid committee, will make a last plea on behalf of the U.S. bid when the U.S. delegation makes its final presentation to the FIFA Executive Committee on Dec. 1, in Zurich, Switzerland. FIFA will announce the hosts for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups the following day.
The U.S. is competing against South Korea, Australia, Qatar and Japan for the 2022 tournament.
“I’m pleased to stand on behalf of our nation for something as important and meaningful to the American people and citizens throughout the world as the FIFA World Cup,” Clinton said. “I am committed to this effort because I have seen firsthand the powerful unifying force of the FIFA World Cup, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.”
Clinton has been active in his role as chairman of the bid committee, attending the 2010 World Cup in South Africa this summer.
“President Clinton’s leadership on behalf of our campaign has been extraordinary, and his passion for the game and our opportunity to host the World Cup is every bit as remarkable,” said Sunil Gulati, president of U.S. Soccer and chairman of the USA Bid Committee. “We are honored that he will be with us in Zurich on Dec. 1.”
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