No fútbol future

The University should have explored the idea of hosting the World Cup.

Well, it’s official. The University and more specifically Sanford Stadium will not be a potential site to host World Cup matches in either 2018 or 2022 if the U.S. earns the right to hold the largest single-sport event in the world.

We take issue not with the University declining the opportunity, but how it declined.

President Michael Adams didn’t respond to the USA’s Bid committee because the letter was lost on his desk and he was unaware of it.

Beg our pardon?

That is perhaps the worst excuse the editorial board has heard – ever.

We understand several logistical (and financial) issues will exist in converting Sanford Stadium from a football field to a fútbol pitch. The field would need to be widened and the hedges would need to be cut – temporarily.

And of course there is the concern of soccer hooligans paying Athens an unneeded visit.

But because Adams said the University “had not paid that much attention to the letter, in that we had to find it,” is not going to cut it.

We are not necessarily advocating for Athens to host any games, but merely looking into the possibility. A lot of things can change in nine to 13 years, and the Bid Committee was not requiring a definite answer.

It merely was gauging interest.

The World Cup could bring more exposure to Athens and the University – and potentially David Beckham.

In all seriousness, Sanford played host to Olympic matches in 1996, brought a boom to the local economy and gave invaluable exposure to the University.

And what is so wrong about looking into something 10 years down the road?

- Michael Fitzpatrick for the editorial board