U.S. is ready if Brazil’s 2014 World Cup runs into trouble

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It’s nine years until the 2018 World Cup and 13 years until the 2022 event, and the U.S. is bidding to stage one or the other.

But what about 2014? What if Brazil proves unable to play host to the World Cup that year and has to bow out? Has the U.S. talked to FIFA about being the backup host?

Sunil Gulati, president of U.S. Soccer, fielded that question this morning at a session here, hosted by the 2018/2022 bid committee.

‘No,’ Gulati replied, indicating there have been no talks between the U.S. and FIFA. ‘However, we didn’t have any discussions with FIFA about being the back-up plan during the SARS epidemic in China [when the U.S. took over as host of the 2003 Women’s World Cup at the last minute]. They know what we can do.

‘Having said that, I fully expect the World Cup to be in Brazil. We weren’t ready to put on the first game of the World Cup in 1994 until about 30 seconds before kickoff. South Africa is not going to be ready until 30 seconds before kickoff [in 2010]. And none of these World Cups is perfect. We had some issues. France had some issues. Korea and Japan had some issues.

‘I think back to my first World Cup, in Mexico in 1986. A terrific World Cup. Those of you involved in the television business will remember the first few games. The French commentary was showing up in Spain. The Spanish commentary was in Greece, and so on and so forth. There were a few real problems.

‘So there are going to be hiccups along the way. Five years is a long time, so I have no doubt that Brazil will host the World Cup. I don’t think FIFA is talking or thinking about any backup plan.

‘Having said all of that, FIFA knows what we can do. They know we don’t have to build any stadiums. We joke with them [and say]: ‘Listen, make sure if you need us for any events, give us at least two weeks’ notice. A week if we don’t need pictures on the credentials.’

‘It’s a bit of an exaggeration, obviously, but they know what we can do.’

-- Grahame L. Jones