Sep 02, 2010 at 06:15 PM
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U.S. Soccer Signs AT&T, American Airlines for World Cup Bid

In recent days, the USA World Cup Bid Committee have signed both American Airlines and AT&T as official partners of the organization’s efforts to bring the FIFA World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022.


“American Airlines is certainly one of the most recognized symbols of our country’s outstanding transportation infrastructure,” said Sunil Gulati, Chairman of the USA Bid Committee and President of U.S. Soccer. “The partnership with the USA Bid Committee is yet another example of their deep commitment to the sport that started with their backing of the 1994 World Cup. We are thankful for their continued support of our cause.”

American Airlines was the official airline of the 1994 FIFA World Cup held in the United States and currently serves and the official airline of Major League Soccer as well as several professional soccer clubs. The company also holds the title of the official airline of SuperLiga.

AT&T is the Exclusive Communications Services Sponsor of U.S. Soccer and Major League Soccer as well as the title sponsor of the annual Major League Soccer All-Star Game. The company is also an official sponsor of the Mexican National Soccer Team.

“At AT&T, our goal is to connect people to their passions,” said Jason Simpson, executive director, AT&T Corporate Sponsorships. “As an official sponsor of the USA Bid Committee, AT&T is proud to help support millions of soccer fans in the quest to bring the FIFA World Cup back to the U.S.”

Through sponsorship with the USA Bid Committee, American Airlines and AT&T will use a variety of the company’s communications channels to promote the online petition drive of the U.S. bid that has already attracted more than 990,000 supporters to www.goUSAbid.com. The agreement also allows both sponsors to use the USA Bid Committee's logos, marks and slogans, in press releases, advertising materials, and marketing materials.

“In view of our tradition of supporting professional soccer throughout the United States and the world, American Airlines is honored to promote the effort to bring the World Cup back to the U.S.,” said Art Torno, Vice President – New York. “We are eager and prepared to support the USA Bid.”

“Their global presence as an innovator in communications technology will be a significant asset to our bid and we’re proud to welcome them to our team," said Gulati on AT&T's involvement.