The Hispanic media leader in the US  has been the exclusive Spanish-language broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup in America since 1978, and is planning a multiplatform presentation, comprising linear, online, video-on-demand, streaming and mobile, for the 2010 competition in South Africa.

Univision is also a major supporter of football in the US through its broadcasts of the men's national team and Major League Soccer, in addition to a wide range of top-tier global events in which the U.S. participates.

Uva said: "In the U.S., Univision is ‘futbol' for millions of viewers looking to feel the passion and energy that defines the sport.

"Because of the growing influence and impact of the Hispanic population in this country, we know we will have a critical voice in helping the United States secure the opportunity to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

"I am personally honored to be able to support this bid on their behalf."

David Downs, the director of the US bid and a former President of Univision Sports, said: "The USA Bid Committee is grateful to have Joe Uva and Univision Communications supporting our bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

"Univision serves a crucial role in introducing millions of Spanish-speaking individuals to our country every year and soccer plays an especially important role in that process.

"The Hispanic population greatly contributes to the diversity of our country and that diversity is a key strength of our bid."

Uva 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.