Foster-Simeon, an active member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2004 where he served on several committees, including the Executive Committee.

 

He said: “Through my role with the US Soccer Foundation, I am acutely aware of the profound impact this sport is having on the development of young people in this country.

 

“FIFA’s vision for the 1994 World Cup paved the way for our organisation to generate significant revenues toward the continued growth of soccer in the United States over the last 15 years.

 

"Another World Cup in the United States would help consolidate the vast and diverse soccer culture that continues to develop in this country and I look forward to doing all I can to help us realize this dream.”

 

Foster-Simeon was elected President of the USSF last year after spending 15 years in various editorial positions with the USA Today newspaper.

 

Foster-Simeon was chosen to head the US Soccer Federation which was established in 1995 to manage the surplus funds generated by the 1994 World Cup.

 

Sunil Gulati, the chairman of the US Bid Committee, said: “The 1994 World Cup was a success on so many levels, but none more important than the nurturing role of the US  Soccer Foundation.

 

"As its President, Ed Foster-Simeon knows what is required to manage and develop a meaningful legacy program that has positive and lasting effects both on and off the field. That experience makes him an invaluable addition to the USA Bid Committee Board of Directors.”

 

Foster-Simeon joins a Board of Directors that also includes California Governor and former Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, US team members Landon Donovan and Mia Hamm, and former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

 

The United States is bidding for the 2018 World Cup but is considered to be the favourite for the 2022 event as the earlier tournament is expected to be awarded to one of the European candidates, England or Russia or one of the joint bidders, Spain and Portugal or Holland and Belgium.

 

Also bidding are Australia, Indonesia, Japan and Mexico.

 

Qatar and South Korea are bidding just for the 2022 World Cup.

 

World governing body FIFA are due to make an announcement on who will host both tournaments at a meeting in December 2010.