North American Soccer League

NASL

April 4, 1983

The Hon. Henry Kissinger
55 East 52 Street
Suite #1100
New York, N.Y. 10022

Dear Dr. Kissinger:

During the past two months, the NASL and Warner Communications, working in cooperation with the United States Soccer Federation personel, have prepared the presentation submitted to FIFA as the United States' application for the World Cup in 1986. A copy of the presentation was sent to your office in New York two or three weeks ago.

Only three countries are in the running by FIFA's rules, Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The United States Soccer Federation committee, headed by Werner Fricker, Executive Vice President of the USSF, presented a business plan with all of our help which assured FIFA of its most profitable World Cup in history. We were able to get the support of President Reagan. A Congressional hearing, in support of the World Cup, is scheduled for Thursday, April 7, and we have just begun to put together a group of the major business leaders in the country. In addition, we presented a plan of the stadia in the United States which indicated strong local support, as well as stadia availability to meet FIFA's requirements. Meetings have taken place in each recommended location involving representatives of the individual Governors and/or Mayors, and various other political, civic and business leaders representing Chambers of Commerce, Tourist and Convention Bureaus, Stadium Authorities, etc.

To indicate America's commitment to becoming a World Cup soccer power, an enormous effort has been put forth to begin training in 1983 for World Cup 1986. We have done this with a coordinated effort between the United States Soccer Federation, our owners, the NASL Players Association, and investors by putting our best American players in training early with TEAM AMERICA which is now located and in place in Washington, D.C.

Soccer is the fastest growing sport in America. There are more young people now playing soccer than Little League baseball. The conclusion of all this is that America is ready to join the world in the world's most important sport.

I know of your strong commitment to the sport. It is shocking that FIFA, without even visiting the U.S. or Canada to inspect our sites or view our planning, unilaterally dismissed both Canada and the United States and decided only to visit Mexico on April 11-18, before their May 20th decision meeting in Stockholm.

There have been indications to us that Mexico has been lobbying for the Cup for over two years and it has been intimated there are business arrangements between some FIFA executives and Mexican interests. Other

1133 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036 / Tel: (212) 575-0066 / Cable: PROSOCCER NEWYORK / Telex: 12-6705

Hon. Henry Kissinger

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NASL

rumours suggest that if the application of Mexico is rejected, then either Italy, West Germany or England will step forward as applicants. Italy, as the winner of World Cup '82, has already qualified for World Cup '86, but West Germany and England would have the added incentive of automatically qualifying as host nation, rather than having to compete in preliminary competitions. There is no question in my mind, however, that it is in the interest of world soccer, as well as to our nation politically, for us to become part of this great contest.

The question is: is there any counter attack we can use?

We solicit both your suggestions and, if possible, your personal intervention to see if this decision can be reversed.

We are looking forward to meeting with you this afternoon to discuss this important issue.

HJS/je