Clinton hopes last pitch nets 2022 World Cup
Reuters - Monday 08 November 2010, 22:14
NEW YORK - Former U.S. President Bill
Clinton will make his final pitch to help his home country
secure hosting duties for the 2022 World Cup when football's
governing body meets next month in Switzerland.
Clinton, honorary chairman of the USA Bid Committee, will
lobby the FIFA Executive Committee on December 1 in Zurich to bring
the event to the United States for the first time since 1994.
"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 in a
statement on Monday.
"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 represented the United States earlier this year at
the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and has worked closely with
the USA Bid Committee's board of directors on initiatives to
promote the bid.
The former president has previously said a major benefit to
the country's World Cup bid is all proposed U.S. host cities
already have existing stadium and transportation infrastructure
necessary to host games.
Japan, South Korea, Australia and Qatar are also aiming to
land the 2022 World Cup. The winner will be announced December 2.