The upcoming Super Bowl-style halftime performance orchestrated by Chris Martin for the World Cup final may not appeal to everyone. However, one octogenarian American is likely to be smiling as Madonna and Shakira take the field at MetLife Stadium next month.
Alan Rothenberg, who served as chair and CEO for the 1994 World Cup, had envisioned Whitney Houston performing on the pitch during the final at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl. Unfortunately, FIFA intervened, insisting that the iconic singer remain on the sidelines.
Rothenberg even arranged for FIFA officials to attend the 1993 Super Bowl at the same venue, where Michael Jackson wowed the crowd during halftime. Despite this effort, FIFA refused to reconsider their stance regarding Houston’s performance.
The organization’s concerns about unseasonal rain in California potentially damaging the pitch were cited as the primary reason for their decision. Rothenberg, still contesting this rationale, finds satisfaction in seeing his vision for a World Cup final show finally take shape 32 years later.
“Before 1994, the World Cup was essentially just a soccer tournament, lacking the elaborate entertainment we see today,” Rothenberg explained. “We aimed to make 1994 more enjoyable and wished for Whitney Houston to perform on the pitch, but FIFA declined our request.”
“Such concepts were novel for FIFA back then, but in 1994, they prevented Whitney from taking the stage. They expressed concerns that rain or precipitation—unlikely in California’s July—would necessitate removing a stage from the center of the field.”
Rothenberg recalled a coincidental moment from the previous January, when the Super Bowl took place at the Rose Bowl with Michael Jackson’s halftime show. He noted, “We invited FIFA executives to observe as the stage was removed from midfield. We checked for any damage to the grass, and there was none at all, but FIFA still said no.”
Ultimately, Whitney Houston did perform, but from the sidelines, surrounded by numerous people, leaving fans confused about the music’s source. Rothenberg reflected, “It demonstrates how innovative we were in transforming the presentation of the World Cup.”
The opening day of the 1994 finals was marred by another high-profile event—the OJ Simpson car chase. Despite that, Rothenberg asserts that the inaugural US World Cup was free from the political issues that have plagued the upcoming tournament.
While he acknowledges the delicate balance FIFA must maintain with the Trump administration, he admitted to feeling embarrassed by some of Gianni Infantino’s statements.
“Politics has always been a factor in World Cups, but not to the extent seen during President Trump’s era,” he stated. “Some remarks or actions by Infantino are indeed embarrassing.”
“However, the embarrassment may be deemed acceptable if it keeps the government satisfied. The ultimate goal is to ensure a successful tournament, which sometimes requires extraordinary measures.”
Rothenberg noted the current World Cup’s complexities, attributing them to international geopolitical tensions. “These issues have always existed, but they have not been as challenging as they are now,” he remarked.
He expressed less concern about potential problems like ICE raids, anticipating that immigration authorities would act cautiously.
“There was much speculation about ICE being active at this year’s Super Bowl and other major events, yet little occurred,” he pointed out. “I suspect a similar situation will unfold at the World Cup. Remember, President Trump chairs the World Cup Committee, and I doubt he wants this tournament overshadowed by discussions of ICE raids. I believe they will exercise restraint around the matches.”
Rothenberg secured his position for the 1994 World Cup after serving as president of US Soccer for eight years and as the soccer commissioner for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He is amazed at how soccer has evolved in the United States over the past four decades.
“When I was president in 1990, the federation operated out of a trailer in Colorado Springs, thanks to free rent from the US Olympic Committee. We had six or eight employees at most,” he recalled. “Today, US Soccer has inaugurated a $300 million training facility and employs several hundred people. Back in 1990, the federation was nearly bankrupt, but now it generates hundreds of millions in revenue. It’s a remarkable transformation.”
“Globalization was always destined to elevate soccer’s status in America, yet I have been surprised by the recent surge in popularity. Hopefully, the World Cup can propel it to even greater heights.”
