Clinton to make final U.S. bid presentation to FIFA

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton will take part in the final presentation of his country’s World Cup bid to FIFA’s executive committee on Dec. 1.

Clinton became honorary chairman of the U.S. bid committee in May and traveled to South Africa, where he attended two U.S. matches and met several executive committee members.

The United States held the tournament in 1994 and hopes to host the 2022 tournament. FIFA votes Dec. 2 on the 2018 and 2022 hosts.

“I’m pleased to stand on behalf of our nation for something as important and meaningful to the American people and citizens throughout the world as the FIFA World Cup,” Clinton said in a statement. “I am committed to this effort because I have seen firsthand the powerful unifying force of the FIFA World Cup – bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.”

Qatar, Australia, Japan and South Korea also are bidding for 2022. England, Russia, Spain-Portugal and Belgium-Holland are competing to host in 2018.