As the anticipation builds for the upcoming World Cup final featuring a Super Bowl-style halftime show curated by Chris Martin, one American, now in his eighties, reflects on a missed opportunity that still resonates today. Alan Rothenberg, who served as chair and CEO for the 1994 World Cup, had envisioned Whitney Houston performing on the field during the final at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl, but FIFA stepped in and vetoed the idea, insisting she remain off the pitch.
Rothenberg had gone to great lengths to persuade FIFA, including inviting officials to experience the 1993 Super Bowl at the same venue where Michael Jackson performed during halftime. Despite these efforts, FIFA stood firm, citing concerns over potential rain and the impact on the pitch as their rationale—arguments Rothenberg continues to dispute.
Reflecting on the past, Rothenberg shared, “Before 1994, the World Cup was primarily a soccer event, lacking the spectacle that accompanies it today. We aimed to make the 1994 tournament more entertaining and wanted Whitney Houston on the field, but FIFA said no.”
“FIFA was unfamiliar with such concepts at the time and ultimately barred Whitney from performing. Their reasoning was that if it rained—something quite unlikely in California during July—they didn’t want a stage in the middle of the field,” he explained.
“Ironically, in January of that year, the Super Bowl took place at the Rose Bowl, and we had invited FIFA executives to witness it. After the halftime show, we checked the field and found no damage whatsoever, yet FIFA still declined our request.”
Houston did perform during the event, but from the sidelines, creating a confusing experience for fans who struggled to determine the music’s source. Rothenberg remarked, “Our innovative approach helped redefine how the World Cup is showcased.”
While the commencement of the 1994 finals was momentarily eclipsed by the infamous O.J. Simpson car chase, it ultimately avoided the political controversies that have marred the lead-up to this year’s tournament. Rothenberg expresses understanding for FIFA’s delicate balancing act in maintaining relations with the Trump administration but has found some statements from FIFA President Gianni Infantino to be cringeworthy.
“Politics has always played a role in World Cups, but it has escalated under President Trump. Some comments made by Infantino can be quite embarrassing,” Rothenberg noted.
“Yet, it’s a necessary embarrassment if it means keeping the government satisfied. The objective is to ensure a successful tournament, which sometimes requires navigating complex political waters.”
Rothenberg acknowledged that this World Cup presents unique challenges due to various geopolitical issues, noting, “Such matters have always existed, but they’ve never been as intricate as they are now.” He appears less worried about potential disturbances, such as ICE raids, predicting that immigration officials will exercise restraint.
“There was much speculation about ICE’s involvement during the recent Super Bowl and other significant events, but in reality, very little occurred,” he remarked.
“I anticipate a similar scenario for the World Cup. After all, President Trump chairs the World Cup Committee, and I doubt he wishes for the tournament to be overshadowed by discussions of ICE operations.”
Rothenberg’s journey to leading the 1994 World Cup stemmed from his tenure as President of U.S. Soccer for eight years and his experience as the soccer commissioner for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He expressed awe at the evolution of soccer in the U.S. over the past four decades.
“Back in 1990, the federation’s offices were housed in a trailer in Colorado Springs, courtesy of free rent from the U.S. Olympic Committee. We had perhaps six or eight employees,” he reminisced.
“Today, U.S. Soccer has inaugurated a $300 million training facility and employs several hundred individuals. In 1990, the federation was nearly bankrupt; now, it boasts hundreds of millions in revenue. It’s a remarkable transformation.”
“The globalization of the sport was always going to elevate soccer’s status in America, but the pace of growth has even surprised me. I hope the World Cup can elevate it even further.”
