CFU News - Warner says GOLD CUP is exclusive to CONCACAF

Warner: Gold Cup can be all CONCACAF

Issued on June 12, 2007

 

FIFA Vice President Jack Warner stood confidently as he spoke on CONCACAF now being able to host a massive world football event on its own with countries that come exclusively from the region.

 

Warner was speaking at a Press Conference recently at the Orange Bowl in Miami, the CONCACAF President gave his views on the current tournament which drew 17,000 fans to the Orange Bowl for the opening day of action and then a whooping 68,000 plus at the Giants Stadium, New York for Honduras’ stunning 2-1 win over Mexico and Panama 2-2 draw with Cuba.

 

Trinidad and Tobago’s opening game with El Salvador, one of a double header with USA and Guatemala in Los Angeles also drew 21,000 plus fans while its second double header in LA when T&T played the host nation, had a sell out crowd of 27,000.

 

“I am proud to say we can now stand on our own and host a tournament that is truly indigenous to CONCACAF,'' said Warner. “In the old days, we were building, so we needed to invite outsiders, but the region has evolved from a soccer standpoint. Our presold tickets for this tournament broke the previous records.''

 

Warner added that FIFA President Sepp Blatter will be present for the final in Chicago as he relayed new plans for the tournament with a possible look at having teams move on to play at the Copa America.

 

“That is also on the cards. That the last edition of copa America as we know is the present one and after  this we just have to sit down and renegotiate a whole new arrangement.”

 

He was also quizzed on the possibilities of a  CONCACAF nation ever winning a World Cup.

 

“Based on records on the history of the sport, on the facts, the facilities, the level of professional football … it would seem to me that the two countries in CONCACAF which are way ahead in ever winning a World Cup final will be Mexico and USA in that order, I know the ball is round and anything can happen in that field, I will say Costa Rica and Haiti can do it… I don’t know about Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

 

And while the  debate continues over FIFA's decision to ban matches played at an altitude higher than 8,200 feet, Warner said it was best that they didn’t wait for a life to be lost in such conditions before putting an end to it

The stadium in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, is at 11,811 feet. FIFA took action after a Copa Libertadores match in Bolivia at 13,123 feet after which Brazilian players needed medical attention.

 

Officials in Bolivia are arguing that the new rule is discriminatory and will put them at a competitive disadvantage. Warner said he was part of the decision and defended it.

 

''The decision was based on solid medical advice,'' he said. ``If there is further medical research that shows differently, we will look at it, but right now, it makes no sense to play in a place where players are struggling for breath. I would hope we don't have to wait for a player to die to take action.''

 

Shaun Fuentes