U.S. Soccer Public Statement on Next Women's World Cup

CHICAGO (Thursday, December 16, 1999) - U.S. Soccer has been informed through private correspondence between U.S. Secretary General Hank Steinbrecher and FIFA General Secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen, that FIFA's Executive Committee has not made any official decisions with regard to the hosting

CHICAGO (Thursday, December 16, 1999) - U.S. Soccer has been informed through private correspondence between U.S. Secretary General Hank Steinbrecher and FIFA General Secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen, that FIFA's Executive Committee has not made any official decisions with regard to the hosting of the next Women's World Cup in the year 2002. The tournament is currently schedule to take place in 2003.

Mr. Zen-Ruffinen reported to Mr. Steinbrecher that the Executive Committee merely took note of the idea to hold the event earlier than originally scheduled, and have since referred it to the FIFA Women's Committee for further analysis.

After studying the information, the Women's Committee (on which Steinbrecher serves) will make a recommendation to the Executive Committee, whose role it would be to make a final decision on the matter.

The original report of the Women's World Cup being moved up a year received significant media attention following the Executive Committee meetings in Tokyo on Dec. 4 and 5 when FIFA President Sepp Blatter mentioned the idea in his address to the media.