Ladies in waiting
Commonwealth Stadium will likely be host to one of the groups for the women's 2003 World Cup of soccer if the U.S. is chosen to hold the event. Stay tuned ...
By TERRY JONES -- Edmonton Sun
U.S. vs. Canada 2003?
It's in the works.
Edmonton and Canada may not be the big losers of the FIFA, SARS, China 2007 Women's World Cup scenario after all.
It may be here. This year.
Well, at least a quarter of the relocated 2003 Women's World Cup might be held in Commonwealth Stadium in late September.
Canada is searching for the silver lining in the dark cloud by attempting to obtain six games of Women's World Cup group play and possibly a quarter-final playoff game.
The CSA announced yesterday it has officially informed FIFA and Soccer USA of its interest in having Edmonton as a primary site, proposing play in the other three groups based in U.S. cities.
When soccer's world governing body was forced to take the 2003 Women's World Cup away from China because of the SARS epidemic, FIFA decided to give the Chinese the 2007 event as a replacement. Canada, as a result of the amazing success story here last summer, was considered a lock to win the event. It all went away when FIFA gave China 2007.
This isn't a lock.
But it's got a chance - a whale of a chance.
A key is that the Canadian bid is fully supported by CONCACAF chairman Jack Warner who yesterday informed FIFA boss Sepp Blatter of backing this initiative.
"Pleased be advised that the CSA has the full support of CONCACAF in their bid to host one of the groups including Canada at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton,'' wrote Warner in his letter to Blatter, the man who is a big believer in this city after what happened here last year.
"What they've realized here is extraordinary in the 27 years I've witnessed FIFA events,'' said Blatter. "It goes under the skin. It gives goose pimples.''
What happened here last year is the inspiration for the Canadian offer.
"We are hopeful that the fantastic success we experienced in Edmonton during the 2002 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship will be a big advantage to our bid,'' said CSA president Andy Sharpe.
To make it possible, the Edmonton Eskimos would have to move a football game - the Sept. 26 home date against the B.C. Lions.
But the Eskimos say they'd go out of their way to make it happen. The Eskimos could switch dates with a Sept. 13 game in B.C..
"We're a community organization and we'd work with them any way we can to make it happen, to make sure the event is not only held here but held here first class,'' said Eskimos COO Rick LeLacheur.
ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED
"That's wonderful,'' Canadian soccer boss Kevan Pipe told The Sun of the Eskimo reaction. "I'm absolutely delighted.''
More delighted than anybody is Canadian coach Even Pellerud.
"I would love it,'' said Pellerud when reached by The Sun via cellphone while on holidays.
"This is a very exciting thing. It would be the ideal scenario for me and my team.
"Edmonton proved everything with what happened last year. We have a great combination of experience and youth on our team - a big part of our team are the players who played in the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championships in Edmonton last year. There would be a real comfort level there. To have Edmonton as a home base would be wonderful. It would help our team a lot.''
Canada was not recruited by the U.S. It's more the other way around.
"We came up with the idea on the weekend after the FIFA announcement. On Monday we sent a letter to FIFA. We've been at it ever since,'' said Pipe.
"We've kept Soccer USA in contact. We've outlined to them our offer. This is not be taken to any extent of U.S. soccer agreeing to it. But they are aware of it and of Jack Warner's unqualified support behind the initiative,'' added Pipe.
While Australia, Italy and Sweden have also offered to play the part of emergency last-minute hosts, the U..S. is viewed as the most logical location, especially with the outstanding job the Americans did of hosting the 1999 Women's World Cup.
STARS AND PLANETS ALIGNED
"And when you have an option such as Edmonton existing - that's just too much like the stars and planets all lining up correctly,'' said Pipe. "To us it just makes too much sense to put a group in Edmonton considering what happened one year ago.''
Pipe says he has total confidence Edmonton would create another sensational scene.
"Unequivocally. I say that without hesitation. It's what sets Edmonton apart from the rest of the country. It's what makes Edmonton the City of Champions. What Edmonton has there rarely exists. The volunteers and sense of community are second to none.''
Pipe said the Canadian offer is for the three double-header dates in group play but also said Canada would accept a quarter-final.
"If we get the group, we'll be happy. That's our offer. If we also were given a quarter-final that would be icing on the cake and a gift to go along with the icing on the cake.''
Pipe said the decision by FIFA would be made "no earlier than the end of next week and no later than the end of May.''
He said if Canada was awarded the group they'd still hold the Aug. 31 deja vu/bon voyage game against Mexico. In fact, he says it's an offer-enhancer.
"We've already sold 34,000 tickets. And what a wonderful way to launch it all and at the same time have a great platform to build everything, iron out the systems and have all our dry runs.''
How can they say no?
