Saturday, December 4, 2010

10 Things FIFA's Decision Says about the United States.





As the light continues to fade and the United States' World Cup bid hopes are put on hold for at least four additional years, FIFA World Cup selection for the 2022 bid makes important statements about soccer in America.

1.  The Goal of FIFA is to develop the Game around the World
A nod to the United States may have been FIFA's decision to not award us the World Cup. The decision says a professional league is (finally) sustainable. FIFA is about introducing the atmosphere the World Cup brings into new environments and cultures. While the nostalgic feeling of 1994 is still in Americans' veins, it is that feeling which must be felt in its homegrown clubs and stadiums around the country and not just Seattle, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

2.  FIFA is about Firsts.
The World Cup has been on North American soil before, in both Mexico and the United States. The tournament has yet to reach Middle Eastern soil. The opportunity to play a part of improving political relations by including Qatar in its bigger plan will significantly impact more than soccer.

3.  Proximity is everything.
The locations of the stadiums is every bit as important as the infrastructure to transport fans from match to match. The advantage, which Qatar presents, is the ability to introduce new stadiums and new infrastructure. There is little need for renovation as with other nations. Qatar presents an opportunity for FIFA to build it into a nation, which bleeds soccer.

4.  Existing Infrastructure isn't required.
The United States already has the infrastructure in place to host a World Cup. We know that from experience in 1994. We know that is has only improved since then. Qatar could benefit more from the improvement of its infrastructures - something only the World Cup in 2022 will permit.

5.  International Calendar
Until Major League Soccer adopts the international calendar, FIFA will continue to hold it against the United States. The current season makes it difficult for its player to satisfy national team obligations and compete in tournaments elsewhere. The World Cup is the perfect example, as the MLS put its season on hold during the month of world's largest sporting event. Additionally, players in the MLS have to also train and prepare with their country, which must be considered a priority over league play.

6.  A Sustainable League does not make it Credible.
Another important point made by FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, was the level of play, which the MLS currently plays host to. Its ability to attract talent from overseas with the likes of David Beckham and Thierry Henry has made significant strides in its reputation as a credible league in the world of the sport. Attracting younger talent from abroad, as well as keeping homegrown talent in the MLS, is the next step.

7.  Celebrities will not win over FIFA.
The inclusion of Morgan Freeman and Bill Clinton by the United States, and Prince William and David Beckham by England in their respective World Cup bids is not a part of FIFA's decision process in selecting upcoming World Cups - nor should it be.

8.  If England wasn't selected for 2018, the United States wasn't getting 2022.
The United States hosted the World Cup in 1994, less than twenty years ago. England last hosted the Cup in 1966, the same year in which they raised their only trophy - nearly fifty years ago. England and its Premier League are seen as Mecca of soccer. How can the United States justify we deserve it over England, even if we're not competing for the same year?

9.  Closed League Structure
The current league structure in the United States does not allow for an expanded number of clubs and competition among different levels of play. The size of the United States is more than capable of accommodating the number of clubs necessary to make an open league structure with relegation and promotion possible. It may be years off from becoming reality, but it will certainly be held against the MLS for years to come.

10.  Money.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to money. Qatar is able to fund the largest projects and, ultimately, generate the most profit.  Need I say more?

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