Atlanta continues pursuit of World Cup matches

By Mike Tierney

For the AJC

Atlanta's quest for a host role in the World Cup resumes todaywhen a local foursome gathers with international and American soccer officials in New York City.

No formal presentations or votes on future sites are scheduled at the get-together, to which representatives from all 18 U.S. candidate cities are invited, but the person leading the Atlanta contingent still regards it as significant.

Gary Stokan, chairman of the Atlanta World Cup organizing committee, said the group intends to "continue to build our relationship" with the USA Bid Committee.

If FIFA, the sport's international governing body, awards the 2018 or 2022 World Cup to the U.S., the Bid Committee will determine the dozen cities that will stage games. The FIFA announcement is expected on Dec. 2, and the Bid Committee would announce the roster of cities about five years prior to each event.

Stokan said his party also would promote Atlanta to a team of FIFA site inspectors at today's session. He will be accompanied by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Georgia World Congress Center executive director Frank Poe and Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay.

Another purpose, Stokan said, is to make the case to the sport's heavy hitters that Atlanta "is a ripe area for soccer" aside from the World Cup.

"MLS [Major League Soccer] should be here" with a team, said Stokan, as well as more "friendlies" -- exhibition games between prominent international squads.

In addition to hosting matches, Atlanta has submitted bids to house the World Cup media center and the FIFA headquarters during the tournament.

The visit concludes Tuesday morning with a press briefing that the Atlantans plan to attend.

--Mike Tierney