New Director For the 1994 World Cup

On This Day in 1989, LeTellier Became the New Director of World Cup USA 1994

On February 15, Scott LeTellier was named the director of World Cup USA 1994, the organizing committee responsible for bringing soccer's most incredible spectacle to American soil for the first time. The announcement in Seattle by Werner Fricker, president of the United States Soccer Federation, marked a crucial step in America's ambitious World Cup journey. LeTellier, a Los Angeles attorney, brought unique qualifications to the role - he had not only helped secure the bid. Still, he had also served as a key aide to Peter Ueberroth during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Chuck Blazer, a former executive vice president of the federation, praised the appointment, noting that LeTellier was "ideally equipped for the job" and that "FIFA people absolutely adore him."

However, LeTellier's path to becoming the architect of America's first World Cup began far from the corporate boardrooms and FIFA headquarters. His journey started during his Mormon mission to Germany in 1974, where he developed a deep passion for soccer watching the World Cup. Showing the resourcefulness that would later define his career, he talked his way into watching matches with German fraternity members and even attended a celebration party with the national team. During his mission, a 12-year-old German boy named Andy became his soccer mentor, teaching him about players, teams, and the history of the World Cup.

After returning to the U.S. and completing law school at BYU, LeTellier strategically positioned himself in the sports world. He began legal work for the California Soccer Association while maintaining his law practice. His big break came in 1981 when, at age 30, he was hired as assistant vice president of sports for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. This role proved crucial, allowing him to develop relationships with FIFA officials while serving as their day-to-day liaison.

When Werner Fricker decided to bid for the 1994 World Cup, he turned to LeTellier for help. LeTellier's experience with stadium negotiations and event planning from the Olympics made him the perfect candidate. Under tremendous time pressure, he wrote the 130-page bid document in just two days, drawing on his understanding of what FIFA officials would want to see. He also secured crucial government guarantees from seven cabinet secretaries and obtained an official invitation letter from President Reagan.

The bid effort culminated on July 4, 1988, when LeTellier traveled to Zurich as part of a 20-person delegation to present to FIFA. Having memorized the names of all committee members, he helped lead a successful presentation that resulted in the U.S. being chosen over Brazil and Morocco to host the 1994 World Cup.

After being named director, LeTellier took an even more significant risk. He left his law practice and moved his family to Virginia. When facing initial funding challenges, he boldly decided to mortgage his house to provide $110,000 in startup funds rather than accept problematic financing that would have given away sponsorship rights. As Ross Berlin, the third employee at World Cup USA, noted, "LeTellier staked his life and reputation on the endeavor. That's real gumption and belief to make it to the end." This personal gamble paid off when the organization secured an $8 million line of credit from Manufacturers Hanover bank.

LeTellier's combination of legal expertise, sports knowledge and personal dedication helped transform soccer in America. The 1994 World Cup proved to be a pivotal moment for the sport in the United States, leading to the creation of Major League Soccer and a dramatic increase in the sport's popularity. Looking back years later, LeTellier would note that soccer's diversity made it "the true American sport in a lot of ways," with players from every continent participating in what had become a true reflection of America's melting pot.