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July 10, 1999
FIFA's 2nd Women's Football Symposium Sets Policy for Future of Women in Football

The 2nd FIFA Women's Football Symposium held in Los Angeles July 7-8 was attended by representatives (about 65% male) from the 203 countries whose national football associations belong to FIFA.

Following two days of presentations and debates, FIFA issued a policy statement regarding the development of women's football. Many delegates at the symposium had hoped for more specific goals or mandates, but the delegates approved a very general document in support of women's programs and the development of women's soccer at all levels (the Los Angeles Declaration on Women's Football).

Speakers including Anita DeFrantz (Vice-president of the International Olympic Committee), Donna de Varona, Marie-George Buffet (French government Minister for Youth and Sports), and April Heinrichs (U.S. U-16 National Coach and former USA Team Captain) stressed that without a specific ruling from FIFA most National Associations will not make way for women to be included on executive bodies or give a fair percentage of funding to women's programs. FIFA has classically been an all male preserve, and although efforts are being made from the highest levels to develop women's programs, no woman has ever served on the executive committee of soccer's international governing body.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who attended most of the conference, announced that FIFA will be sending $1,000,000 to each of the 203 National Associations for soccer development and that knowing this, women's programs should lobby to get their share. Women from many nations felt strongly that no amount of squabbling with their national associations would ensure that they get a fair share of the funds, and had hoped that FIFA would issue a directive that some certain percentage be designated for women's programs.

Anita DeFrantz pointed out several times that the IOC now requires 15% female representation on committees and that this was not a difficult goal to meet. Minister Buffet stressed that women did not automatically gain inclusion by "evolution" in politics or sport while de Varona noted that only by government mandate (Title IX legislation) did women's sports in the U.S. receive equal support.

Heinrichs called strongly for a specific ruling to ensure that women would receive equitable representation and funding from FIFA and national associations. Per Omdal (Chairman of FIFA's Committee for Women's Football and member of the FIFA Executive Committee) noted that in his nation, Norway, the government requires 2 of every 5 representatives on any sort of governing board or committee be female, and that this worked well for their Football Association (which even sent a woman as Head of Delegation to the Men's World Cup in France).

It is obvious that Per Omdal is a passionate advocate for developing women's soccer and especially for giving the opportunity to play to all girls who are interested. He is a FIFA insider is working hard to ensure that this is developed in a way which will be acceptable to FIFA.

June 15, 1999
Women's World Cup to host 1,500 children from the Boy's and Girl's Clubs of America

"Many of our clubs have introduced soccer programs for girls and boys over the last decade," said BGCA President Roxanne Spillett. "Our kids are excited to be able to attend these world class games right in their own backyards. For most, it will be the first organized sporting event and for the girls especially, it will be a thrill to see women not much older than themselves competing for such a prestigious prize."

Wednesday, March 3
Michelle Akers' Injury Update

U.S. Midfielder Michelle Akers is scheduled to undergo minor surgery today at the Orlando Regional Medical Center to remove accumulated blood and several bone fragments from her left cheek that resulted from her collision with Norway's Linda Medalen in the match vs. the FIFA World Stars on Feb. 14.

She will be reevaluated on Friday, March 5, and is expected to be cleared to return to training with the team at that time, putting her several weeks ahead of schedule on her rehabilitation timeline. She has been jogging and shooting on her own in practice for about a week.

1) Those teams with the lowest goal differential in their quarterfinal
matches.

2) If all four teams's goal differential are equal, the three teams with the highest number of goals scored in those matches will qualify.

3) If the four teams are still equal, the teams with the best performance in their group matches will advance to the Olympics.

4) The best performance in group matches shall be determined by:

• a) Points
  
• b) Goal difference
  
• c) Goals scored

Head-to-head results will not be a tie breaker. If the teams are still tied after considerations 1-4, the teams' status in the FIFA Fair Play ranking will be the determining factor. If teams are still tied then FIFA will draw lots.

FIFA restricts roster size to 20 players

Original news reaching WSW was that FIFA would be increasing the roster size for the 1999 Women's World Cup to 22 players, but FIFA has officially set the roster size at 20 players. The competing teams must submit their 1999 Women's World Cup rosters to FIFA no later than 10 days before their first match.

February 24, 1999
President and Mrs. Clinton will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup

President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton have accepted the Organizing Committee's invitation to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs this summer.

"This is a tremendous honor for the Women's World Cup and the Organizing Committee," said Donna DeVarona, WWC Chair. "The President and First Lady have always championed efforts to increase opportunities for women, and the Women's World Cup is truly a breakthrough event for women's athletics. We look forward to having the First Family share in the largest female sporting event in history."

---

February 14, 1999
Official Poster, designed by 16 year old girl from Leland High School in San Jose for World Cup '99, unveiled at press conference in San Francisco on Friday, February 12, 1999

With the aid of Brandy Chastain, a shy and smiling Daphne Yap unveiled her winning World Cup poster before journalists from around the world at the first of several events being held in San Francisco celebrating the FIFA final draw and All Star Match to held on Sunday February, 14 in San Jose.

Yap's design was chosen from over 250 entries from schools situated in the Cup venue area. She received $2,000 from the World Cup Organizing Committee for future education use, and her school, Leland High School in San Jose, California was given a gift certificate for $2,000 worth of art
supplies.

The poster will be available at the All Star game and will cost $10.00.

Names In The News At 1st FIFA Women's World All Star Match

Danell Medeiros
13 year old Danell Medeiros, a 7th grader at redwood Middle School in Saratoga, California will sing the U.S. National Anthem prior to the All Star game.

Jennifer Azzi
U.S. Basketball star, Jennifer Azzi, a member of the 1996 Olympic gold medal team will take part in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final Draw.

Former Stanford University star Azzi was also a member of the U.S. team that won the World Championships in 1998, and has been at the forefront of the recent explosion in women's sports.

Juergen Klinsmann and Cobi Jones
One of the best known players in the world, a long time German National Team star with four World Cup appearances and a Gold Medal will participate in the Final Draw along with Cobi Jones, the 1998 U.S. Soccer Player of the Year.

February 7, 1999
FIFA Increases The Days Between Games, and Rosters to 22 Players for Teams in World Cup `99

In a move that will be welcomed by all countries, FIFA has approved two major changes for teams participating in this year's World Cup.

It has long been a concern that the standard of play and health, of the players, has been at risk in the last two World Cups because of the lack of rest time between matches (1 day in previous Cups). This move brings the period between games closer to that already enjoyed by the men's teams in their World Cup. By ensuring that teams will have on average 2 1/2 days of rest between first round matches, and 22 players to draw from will help the additional stress of travel after every game for each team.

In a comment regarding the change, Per Omdal, Chairman of the FIFA Committee for Women's Football said "The extended three-week 1999 Women's World Cup will be the most athlete-friendly Women's World Cup ever. The increased number of rest days will allow for the highest level of performance and excitement throughout the tournament from the marquee teams and players."

February 5, 1999
Women's World Cup committee unveils more details of 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final Draw including a performance by Shawn Colvin

Grammy Award-winning artist Shawn Colvin will perform live on stage after the draw is completed during half time, at the USA versus FIFA All Stars game on Sunday, February 14, 1999.

"We are obviously pleased and excited to be able to include in our Final Draw festivities a live performance from one of the most respected female singers and songwriters of our time," said Women's World Cup Committee President Marla Messing.

Debra Messing, who plays Grace on NBC's Will and Grace show, and Alyson Hannigan, who plays Willow on WB's Buffy the Vampire Slayer show, will participate in the Final Draw ceremonies, along with one of the world's top male soccer players, Juergen Klinsmann.

Soccer legend Michel Platini, who served as President of the 1998 French World Cup Organizing Committee and led France to the European Nations Cup title in 1984, will also attend the Women's World Cup Draw.

January 6, 1999
More promotions in Women's World Cup Organizing Committee

Robin Roylance, who has been with the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Organizing Committee since 1997, has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing. ` Steven Vanderpool and Traci Higgins have been promoted to the positions of Vice President, Communications and Vice President, Legal Counsel, respectively.

Roylance, who will continue to be responsible for all Women's World Cup marketing programs, including corporate servicing, special events, advertising, grassroots marketing and corporate identity, joined the Organizing Committee as Director of Marketing in July of 1997 from Major League Soccer, where she established the league's sponsor servicing program. She was promoted to Vice President, Marketing in January of 1998.

Vanderpool joined the Women's World Cup staff as Director of Public Relations in June of 1997 after working in the same capacity at Major League Soccer during the league's inaugural season. In addition to new responsibilities within the communications department, he will continue to oversee the Organizing Committee's public relations program, publications and relationship with non-sports media

December 1, 1998
FIFA Women's Football Committee confirms plan to conduct the Women's World Cup Final Draw at halftime of the first-ever FIFA Women's World All-Star Match on Feb. 14, 1999, at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, California.

FIFA Women's Football Committee has confirmed plans to conduct the Women's World Cup Final Draw at halftime of the first-ever FIFA Women's World All-Star Match on Feb. 14, 1999, at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, Calif.

The 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup will take another step toward staging a breakthrough event in women's sports as the tickets for the USA vs. FIFA World Stars game, which will kickoff at 5 p.m. PT, and the Final Draw, can be obtained starting tomorrow, Dec. 2, by calling the San Jose Clash of Major League Soccer at 408/985-GOAL or any BASS ticket outlet in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Valentine's Day Final Draw will place all 16 teams into four groups of four, determining the schedule of the tournament and the cities and stadiums in which the teams will play. China, Germany, Norway and the USA have been chosen as the top seeds to head the groups. The remaining 12 teams will be seeded in three pools of four teams each according to FIFA criteria, and then one team from each pool will be drawn into one of the four groups.

The all-star exhibition match will feature the Olympic champion U.S. Women's National Team vs. the FIFA World Stars. The FIFA World Stars will be made up of at least one player from each of the 15 other qualified teams. The World Stars and their coaches will be chosen by FIFA. Both the Final Draw and the all-star exhibition game will be televised live on ESPN2.

FIFA announced a two-day symposium on women's soccer to be held July 7 and 8 in Los Angeles during the final week of the Women's World Cup next summer.

On July 9 following the symposium, FIFA will be holding an extraordinary congress at which crucial decisions effecting the future of soccer in general are expected to be made. More than 500 delegates from almost every FIFA member nation are expected to attend.

FIFA Women's Football Committee Chair Per Ravn Omdal of Norway expressed a high level of satisfaction in the preparations so far and hopes for a broad impact from the tournament. "The increasing number of girls and women and better organized competitions at continental and national levels will help to make women's football more socially and politically acceptable all over the world."

November 18
Four teams seeded by FIFA for 1999 World Cup

FIFA , the world governing body of soccer, has named China, Germany, Norway and USA to head each of the four groups in the 16 team tournament.

Norway is the defending 1995 Women's World Cup Champion, was silver medalist at the 1991 Women's World Cup in China, and finished third at the1996 Atlanta Olympics

China finished fourth at the 1995 Women's World Cup held in Sweden, and was silver medalist at the1996 Olympics

Germany finished fourth at the 1991 Women's World Cup, and was the silver medalist-up in 1995 World Cup.

USA won the First FIFA Women's World Cup in 1991, was bronze medalist in the 1995 World Cup, and won the First Olympic Gold Medal Game at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

WWC'99 Organizing Committee adds MLS San Jose Clash team game as doubleheader at Women's World Cup Semi-Final match at Stanford Stadium on July 4, 1999

The 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinal match on July 4, 1999, at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, Calif., will be played as a doubleheader with the San Jose Clash of Major League Soccer, the Organizing Committee announced today.

Still subject to FIFA approval, the addition of the Clash game turns each of the Women's World Cup events into a doubleheader. It was previously announced that the Women's World Cup semifinal in Boston on July 4 will also be played as a doubleheader with the New England Revolution of MLS. If the U.S. Women's National Team advances to the semifinals, it will play at Stanford Stadium.

"We were already expecting July 4, 1999, to be a great day for soccer, but the addition of the Major League Soccer game adds extra excitement and entertainment to the festivities," said Women's World Cup President Marla Messing. "We are hoping to celebrate the last Independence Day of the century with a historical event for American soccer."

Women's World Cup Committee Inspires The Next Generation Of Artists By Commissioning An Official Poster Contest

Continuing its theme of "inspiring the next generation", the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Organizing Committee today announced a program to extend that opportunity to young artists by commissioning a contest to illustrate the tournament's Official Poster.

Ten high schools and art institutes in the seven Women's World Cup communities have registered to participate and more than 250 entries are expected. The winner will receive a check for $2,000 to further his/her post-secondary education, a trip for two to the poster unveiling to be held in February 1999 as part of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final Draw Ceremony, and two tickets to the games of the Women's World Cup -- the third world championship of women's soccer -- at the venue nearest to them. The winner's school will receive a gift certificate for $2,000 worth of art supplies. Each entrant will receive a certificate of participation from the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.

"The 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup is about young athletes showcasing their skills on the world's stage," said Marla Messing, President of the Organizing Committee. "We wanted to extend this opportunity to young artists as well, and we have done that through the Official Poster Contest."

"We are thrilled to participate in the Women's World Cup Poster Contest," said Wendy Goldman, an art instructor at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va. "It gives our young students an opportunity to display their artistic skills and be a part of a worldwide history-making event."

Entries must capture the history and pageantry of World Cup Soccer and highlight the grace and beauty of the women's game. As the tournament will be a breakthrough event for women's soccer, the art should portray a somewhat non-traditional and decidedly forward-looking attitude, although that may be expressed as a new twist on an old theme, or as a completely contemporary style. All submissions must be 100 percent original and authentic artwork. Entries are due by November 13, 1998. The participating schools are:

Boston

• Commerce Academy, Madison Park HS

Chicago

• New Trier HS, Winnetka, Ill.

Los Angeles

• Visual Arts Academy, Pasadena HS

New York/New Jersey

• High School of Graphic Communication Arts, New York City
• Arts High School, Newark, N.J.

Portland

• Benson High School, Portland, Ore.

San Francisco Bay/San Jose

• Leland High School, San Jose, Calif.

Washington, D.C.

• Wakefield High School, Arlington, Va.
• Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda, Md.
• Suitland High School, Suitland, Md.

WWCup'99 Committee announces schedule change moving Sunday June, 20 1999 doubleheader from Portland to Los Angeles

Time Frame for Installing Grass Field at Civic Stadium Necessitates Move

The 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Organizing Committee will move the Sunday, June 20 first-round doubleheader from Portland's Civic Stadium to the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, subject to final approval from FIFA, the world governing body for soccer.

The change will not effect Portland's two other first-round doubleheaders scheduled for Wednesday, June 23 and Thursday, June 24. The addition of two matches to Los Angeles gives the Rose Bowl a total of four games. Prior to the move, the Rose Bowl was scheduled to host only the Third Place Match and World Cup Final on Saturday, July 10.

Civic Stadium, which currently has an artificial grass surface, will be converted to natural grass for the Women's World Cup. The Organizing Committee was concerned that the amount of time allowed for the conversion was not sufficient to guarantee a world-class pitch in Portland. Because the Organizing Committee wanted to ensure the best playing surface for the third world championship of women's soccer, a change in venue was necessary.

"We just weren't comfortable with the potential risk involved," said Marla Messing, Women's World Cup president. "The rainy climate in Portland can present some serious challenges in installing a temporary grass field as we learned last May when the U.S. Men's National Team played Kuwait at Civic Stadium. This solution gives us the confidence that we'll be able to deliver the kind of pitch that Portland will be proud to show the world."

Fans who have bought Stadium Series Packages for the Portland venue - one ticket for each of the games at Civic Stadium - will be offered one more ticket to each of the June 23 and 24 matches or a refund for the June 20 doubleheader. Tickets for the first-round doubleheader in Los Angeles, which will feature one of the top-seeded teams in the tournament, will go on sale immediately. A mass mailing will be made to the fans that have already bought tickets to the World Cup Final, offering them a chance to purchase tickets to the new doubleheader on a priority basis.

"We're very satisfied with this solution because it creates a win-win situation for both cities," added Messing. "It ensures Portland a world class pitch and we're satisfying the demand for more Women's World Cup matches in Los Angeles."

Interest in Women's World Cup tickets has been strong in all venue cities. More than 150,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament.

Tipper Gore Honors 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup and U.S. Women's National Team at Vice President's Residence

On Wednesday September 23, 1998 in Washington, DC a reception was held at the Vice President's Residence where Tipper Gore honored the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup and the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team for their contributions to physical fitness and women's athletics.

Representing the U.S. Women's National Team were four of the gold medalists from the 1996 Olympic Team, captains Carla Overbeck and Julie Foudy plus Mia Hamm and Tiffeny Milbrett . Head Coach Tony DiCocco also attended the reception.

"I believe that events like the Women's World Cup are more than just a tangible result of a generation of Title IX women taking advantage of the opportunities that were offered," said Mrs. Gore. "I believe they represent a cultural shift that is dynamically changing the availability and opportunities for young girls across our nation and around the world to compete in all levels of team sports."

++ See our full coverage in the November/December printed edition of Women's Soccer World magazine

Donna de Varona to chair 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Organizing Committee

At a news conference held in New York on March 19, 1997 Alan I. Rothenberg, U.S. Soccer Federation President, announced that Donna de Varona would chair the Organizing Committee and that Marla P. Messing will serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Organizing Committee.

"Donna de Varona holds a unique position in women's sports in America, " said Rothenberg in his introduction. "No woman in sports in the United States combines her experience, ability and deserved respect. As an added attraction, she's a soccer mom. Linking Donna with Marla Messing's organizational talent, intelligence, energy, experience and work ethic ensures that the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup will indeed be the breakthrough event for women's sports we have set as our goal."

In her reply De Varona said that "As a member of the Board of the men's World Cup USA 1994, I saw how spectacular the 1994 World Cup was in the United States, and I am honored to come back to soccer for this event. The timing is perfect for the 1999 Women's World Cup-women's sports are an integral part of the United States scene nowadays and soccer is now part of the American culture. I recall that there were some doubters before the 1994 men's World Cup but there should be no doubters about this event. The United States has led the way in women's sports, and in 1999 we will continue that role."

Continuing with the same theme Messing said, "Soccer is meeting every challenge placed before it in the United States, and I am looking forward very much to contributing to another World Cup success. We have a great deal of work to do not only in staging such a huge event but also in sharing women's sports ideals with the American public. We are already at work developing our infrastructure so that America will again have a proud summer of world-class soccer in 1999."

© WSW May/June 1997

Venue Selection

The 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Organizing Committe has received bid packages from groups representing 15 stadiums interested in hosting games for what promises to be the largest women's-only team sports event ever held.

The support shown for women's soccer at the 1996 Olympics, the significant growth of the sport in the United States and the belief that the 1999 Women's World Cup could be a breakthrough event in women's sports persuaded FIFA to grant U.S. Soccer's request to upscale the tournament.
As a result an expanded bid process has garnered interest from major markets and major stadiums across the country. The San Francisco/Bay Area has combined two stadiums - Spartan and Stanford - as part of a single bid. In both Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., two separate groups have submitted bids for different stadiums located in those cities.

Each of the candidates will be evaluated on criteria that includes overall stadium facilities, potential civic and government support, a history of community involvement in major soccer events and women's sports and population demographics.

The Women's World Cup Organizing Committee is reviewing candidates this summer. In the Fall of 1997, five to eight will be chosen to host games for the Women's World Cup. Some stadiums may be downsized with draping, banners and other decorative elements to create more intimate environments.

"We are very pleased with the response to the Venue Specifications Package," said Women's World Cup President and Chief Operating Officer Marla Messing. "We have a terrific selection of cities and stadiums from which to choose. We will be working with each of our finalists throughout the summer before we make our final recommendation to FIFA. We're confident that this process will result in communities that enthusiastically support the event."

COMMUNITY STADIUM BID ORGANIZATIONS

• Birmingham, AL - Legion Field Alabama Sports Foundation
• Boston - Foxboro Stadium Boston Soccer, Inc.
• Charlotte, NC - Ericsson Stadium Carolinas Stadium Corp.
• Chicago Soldier Field - Chicago Park District; Mayor's office of Special Events
• Los Angeles - L.A. Coliseum City of Los Angeles; Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission; Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum; Los Angeles Convention & Visitor's Bureau
• Los Angeles - Rose Bowl Pasadena Rose Bowl Operating Company; Los Angeles Sports Council
• New York - Giants Stadium New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority New Jersey
• Portland, OR - Civic Stadium Portland Oregon Sports Authority
• San Francisco - Spartan Stadium/ San Francisco Bay Area Bid Committee;
• Bay Area - Stanford Stadium World Cup San Francisco Bay '99
• Washington, D.C. - RFK Stadium D.C. Sports Commission
• Washington, D.C. - Jack Kent Jack Kent Cooke Stadium
  Cooke Stadium

© WSW July/August 1997

Women's World Cup '99 Adds Two More Venue Directors

The 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Organizing Committee has filled two more Venue Director positions, hiring Heather Quinn to run the Washington, D.C. Venue at Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, while Richard Muschell will oversee San Francisco Bay venue with operations at both Spartan Stadium in San Jose, CA and Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, CA.
"In both Heather and Richard, we have brought on people with tremendous energy and enthusiasm for the Women's World Cup," said WWC President Marla Messing. "They will be instrumental in generating ticket sales, awareness and excitement in their respective markets as the event draws near."

Quinn comes to Women's World Cup after serving as a consultant for the Davis Cup tennis event in the Washington, D.C. area. She coordinated all operations for the event as well as helping create initial sponsorship packages. Prior to her work with Davis Cup, Quinn worked for the Washington Tennis Foundation's benefit event that raised money to promote youth tennis in the inner city. From 1989-94, Quinn worked for ProServe in a variety of capacities, including serving as a tournament director for an LPGA event as well as coordinating the Grand Champions tour for 35-and-over men's tennis players.

"I'm excited to come aboard just as ticket sales are beginning in May," said Quinn. "We're looking forward to promoting the largest women's sporting event ever to come to the Washington, D.C. area."
Muschell (pronounced Muh-SCHELL) comes to Women's World Cup from the NBA's Golden State Warriors, where he served as Director of Premium Seat marketing. He was responsible for directing the sales of suites and club seating for the new Oakland arena. From 1990-96, Muschell served as director of ticket sales for the NHL's San Jose Sharks and was responsible for all aspects of ticket sales and operations.

"I'm very happy to be associated with the Women's World Cup tournament as the Bay Arena has long been supportive of women's sports," said Muschell. "We're looking forward to yet another historic soccer event in Northern California."
The Organizing Committee will assume the duties of the Los Angeles venue director at least through the end of the year.

© WSW May/June 1998