The U.S. Soccer Federation "has not been approached" by FIFA "about hosting the 2014 or 2022 World Cups should security or weather concerns force either to be moved," according to Nancy Armour of the AP. This comes "after widespread protests marred last month's Confederations Cup" in Brazil, site of next summer's World Cup. FIFA also has "had concerns about the pace of construction, fearing that some stadiums won't be ready in time for the tournament." USSF President Sunil Gulati yesterday said, "Brazil's going to host the World Cup." He added that he "expects" FIFA's Exec Committee, of which he is a member, will be "asked in October to consider shifting the World Cup in Qatar to the winter months to avoid that country's searing summer heat." Meanwhile, Gulati said that the U.S. and CONCACAF are "still interested in playing in the 2016 Copa America, South America's continental championship, but it's 'absolutely mandatory' that the tournament be included in the international calendar so all participants would have access to their best players." He also is "pleased with the launch" of the NWSL, but there is "far more work to be done." He said of the league, "The reviews are mixed. Attendance in some markets has been great, beyond expectations. In some markets, it's lower. To me, the best thing about it is we got it started. ... Am I pleased with where it is? No. But I'm pleased we got it started and hope it will get a lot better" (AP, 7/28).
