CSA Pursues World Cup Soccer Bid

OTTAWA, June 7, 2001 – Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Denis Coderre and Jim Fleming, President of the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA), today officially announced that Canada will seek the rights to host the next Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup soccer event available to this hemisphere. That opportunity could come as early as 2011.

In support of this announcement, Mr. Coderre and Mr. Fleming released a copy of a feasibility study conducted by Deloitte & Touche LLP. which confirms that a Canadian World Cup bid is viable and would be a financial success. The study, which was supported by a grant from the Government of Canada, indicates that Canada already has many of the required facilities in place. However, some refurbishing would be needed and one additional permanent stadium would have to be built, which the study assumed to be in Halifax so that all geographical regions are represented.

“The World Cup of soccer is the largest single sport event in the world and there would be tremendous financial and social benefits for Canada,” said Mr. Coderre. “Moreover, hosting the World Cup in our great country would create an important legacy for our sport system and the generation of athletes to come.”

“I have today sent a letter to Mr. J.S. Blatter, President of FIFA announcing our intention to bid for the rights to the next FIFA World Cup available to our Confederation,” stated Jim Fleming. “We will mount a bid which will involve all regions of Canada, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific. We will partner with the Government of Canada, the private sector, stadium authorities and other prospective partners in financing, planning and implementing this Bid.”

The Secretary of State and CSA President also confirmed that as part of Canada’s strategy to secure a future World Cup bid, Canada will host the Under-19 Women’s World Soccer Championship in 2002. Mr. Coderre also announced that the Government of Canada will invest $500 000 for the hosting of the event. The Championship will be held in three locations in Canada (which are still to be determined) from August 17 to September 1, 2002. It will feature teams from 12 countries competing in 26 matches.

Mr. Coderre and Mr. Fleming also used the occasion to announce that the Government of Canada and the CSA were currently exploring ways of setting up a new type of partnership to promote soccer in Canada and to pursue the future World Cup bid. To this effect, Mr. Coderre announced the appointment of Jean Gandubert to his staff as the senior advisor on soccer.

The complete economic feasability study for Canada hosting the FIFA World Cup is available on Soccer Canada’s web site at migmultidev-canada-soccer.pantheonsite.io and the executive summary is available on the Department of Canadian Heritage’s web site at www.pch.gc.ca