Univision's Uva Wants To Bring The World Cup To U.S.

Univision Communications CEO Joe Uva has joined the board of the group looking to bring soccer's World Cup to the U.S. in 2018 or 2022. Univision has carried the cup in Spanish domestically since 1978, while offering a slew of other soccer programming, including games by the U.S. national team.

Uva took over Univision in 2007, a company that includes the flagship Univision network, radio stations and multiple Web sites. All will play a role in its coverage of next summer's cup from South Africa. Univision also carries Major League Soccer games and multiple international leagues.

The U.S.A. Bid Committee, where Uva joins the board of directors, is seeking to return the cup to America after it had a successful showing in 1994, culminating with a thrilling final game in Los Angeles. After South Africa, the event will be in Brazil in 2014.

Tea leaves may show the cup will likely return to Europe in 2018 -- soccer's governing body, FIFA, keeps the Continent as sort of a maypole, then moves elsewhere four years later, giving the U.S. its best shot at getting it in 2022. A decision will come in December 2010.

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In 2005, Univision reached an agreement to carry the 2010 and 2014 cups as part of a larger $325 million deal -- much higher than the $100 million that ESPN paid for English-language rights. With Univision likely to pay handsomely to carry future cups, Uva's presence on the bid committee could play a persuasive role toward FIFA's executive committee.

"In the U.S., Univision is 'futbol' for millions of viewers ...," Uva said. "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 ... World Cup in 2018 or 2022."

"For our bid to be successful, we will need the support of key allies in the media to help us communicate the fundamental mission behind our bid," said Sunil Gulati, chairman of the USA Bid Committee and president of U.S. Soccer.

Uva joins University of Miami president Donna Shalala and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other members of the board.

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