Updated at 9:37 a.m., Saturday, September 29, 2007
Soccer: FIFA criticized for holding Cup at wrong time
Associated Press
FIFA is being criticized for holding the Women's World Cup at the wrong time — when it competes head-to-head with all of Europe's top men's leagues, and a full calendar of U.S. sports events. It's also going head-to-head with rugby's World Cup.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter blamed the crowded international calendar for not being able to hold the event in the summer, but he suggested it might be moved there for the 2011 World Cup.
"We will have a look definitely when the 2011 (venue) is decided," Blatter said. "Depending on where it goes, but we must also adopt it to the international calendar."
Germany and Canada are considered the leading bidders, and Australia and Peru also candidates.
FIFA is also under scrutiny for reportedly spending only about 10 percent of its funds on the women's game.
"I will propose to the executive committee it go to 20 percent," Blatter said, blaming national federations for not doing enough. "What we are missing is the initiative of some of the national associations. I know that football is, first of all, a macho organization. This is not correct because football is for everybody."
Brazil, in the final against defending champion Germany on Sunday, gives little support to the women's game, which Blatter promised to help change. He said he could pressure the South Americans and use their bid for the 2014 men's World Cup as leverage.
"This is an item we will take up very soon because Brazil is also a candidate to organize the World Cup," he said.
