Univision CEO Uva Named To USA World Cup Bid Board
Group Aims To Bring Futbol's Biggest Event To The US In 2018 Or 2022
Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 7/19/2009 7:30:00 AM
Univision CEO Joe Uva has accepted an invitation to join the board of directors for the USA Bid Committee in its efforts to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022.
The Hispanic media leader in the U.S. has been the exclusive Spanish-language broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup in the States since 1978, and is planning a multiplatform presentation, comprising linear, online, video-on-demand, streaming and mobile, for the 2010 competition in South Africa.
Univision is also a major supporter of soccer in the U.S. through its broadcasts of the men's national team and Major League Soccer, in addition to a wide range of top-tier global events in which the U.S. participates.
"In the U.S., Univision is ‘futbol' for millions of viewers looking to feel the passion and energy that defines the sport," said Uva in a statement. "Because of the growing influence and impact of the Hispanic population in this country, we know we will have a critical voice in helping the United States secure the opportunity to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. I am personally honored to be able to support this bid on their behalf."
Noted USA Bid Committee executive bid director David Downs, the former president of Univision Sports: "The USA Bid Committee is grateful to have Joe Uva and Univision Communications supporting our bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Univision serves a crucial role in introducing millions of Spanish-speaking individuals to our country every year and soccer plays an especially important role in that process. The Hispanic population greatly contributes to the diversity of our country and that diversity is a key strength of our bid."
