University of Miami president Donna Shalala joins US World Cup bid group

Donna Shalala joins US World Cup bid group

NEW YORK — University of Miami president Donna Shalala has joined the directors of the bid committee trying to bring the World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022.

Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services from 1993-2001, joins a board that includes former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, U.S. national team player Landon Donovan and former women’s national team star Mia Hamm.

Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands-Belgium, Russia, Spain-Portugal have filed to host both World Cups. Qatar and South Korea bid for 2022 only.

England and Spain are seen as the leading contenders to host in 2018, while the United States is viewed as a top candidate for 2022.

FIFA’s executive committee plans to select the 2018 and 2022 hosts in December 2010.