The upcoming Super Bowl-style halftime entertainment, featuring Chris Martin, may not appeal to everyone, yet one 80-year-old American will be watching with a knowing smile as Madonna and Shakira take the stage at MetLife Stadium next month.
Alan Rothenberg, who served as the chair and chief executive for the 1994 World Cup, had envisioned Whitney Houston performing live on the field during the final at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl. However, FIFA intervened, insisting that the iconic singer remain off the pitch.
Rothenberg had even invited FIFA officials to the 1993 Super Bowl at the same California venue, where Michael Jackson dazzled the audience during halftime. Despite this effort to sway them, FIFA stood firm on their decision regarding Houston’s performance.
FIFA cited concerns about possible unseasonably rainy weather and the risk of damaging the pitch as reasons for their refusal, a point Rothenberg still contests. Therefore, he takes a measure of satisfaction in seeing his vision for a spectacular World Cup final entertainment finally come to fruition, 32 years later.
“Before 1994, the World Cup was primarily just a soccer tournament, lacking the fanfare aside from dedicated supporters,” Rothenberg stated. “We intentionally aimed to make 1994 a more entertaining experience and wanted Whitney Houston on the field for the final, but FIFA said no.”
“FIFA was inexperienced with these kinds of entertainment elements back then and has since adopted many of them, but in 1994, they prevented Whitney from performing. Their primary concern was rain or inclement weather—which was highly unlikely in California during July—as they did not want a stage on the field.”
In a fortunate twist of fate, the Super Bowl had just taken place at the Rose Bowl the previous January, featuring Michael Jackson’s halftime show. Rothenberg recounted, “We invited FIFA’s top executives to witness the halftime show. After the stage was removed from the center field, we checked for any damaged grass, and none was found. Yet, FIFA still refused.”
Ultimately, Houston’s performance took place from the sidelines, surrounded by numerous people, leaving stadium attendees confused about the music’s source. Rothenberg emphasized, “This highlights our innovative approach and how we changed the World Cup’s presentation.”
While the 1994 tournament’s opening day was eclipsed by the infamous O.J. Simpson car chase, the first World Cup hosted by the U.S. was not marred by the political controversies that are currently shaping the upcoming tournament.
Rothenberg expressed some understanding for FIFA’s need to navigate the complexities of maintaining positive relations with the Trump administration, although he found some of Gianni Infantino’s remarks to be quite embarrassing.
“Politics has always been intertwined with World Cups, but not to the degree we’ve seen under President Trump,” he remarked. “Some of Infantino’s statements or actions have been quite embarrassing.”
“However, this embarrassment may be deemed necessary to keep the government supportive, as the goal is to host a successful tournament, which may require some extraordinary measures.”
Commenting on the current World Cup’s challenges, Rothenberg noted, “This tournament is particularly complex due to various international geopolitical issues. While such matters have always existed, I believe they have never been as challenging as they are now.”
Rothenberg is less worried about potential disruptions from ICE raids and anticipates that immigration officials will exercise restraint during the tournament.
“There was considerable speculation about ICE activity during this year’s Super Bowl and other major events, but in reality, very little occurred,” he explained. “I believe a similar situation will unfold during the World Cup. Remember, President Trump is the head of the World Cup Committee, and I doubt he wants the tournament overshadowed by discussions of ICE raids. I suspect that they will maintain a low profile around the matches.”
Rothenberg secured the role for the 1994 World Cup after an eight-year tenure as president of U.S. Soccer, during which he also served as soccer commissioner for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He is amazed by how much the sport has evolved in the United States over the last four decades.
“When I became president in 1990, the federation operated out of a trailer in Colorado Springs, thanks to the U.S. Olympic Committee covering rent. We had maybe six or eight employees,” he recalled. “Now, U.S. Soccer has just inaugurated a $300 million training facility and boasts several hundred staff members. Back in 1990, the federation was nearly bankrupt, and now it generates hundreds of millions in revenue. The transformation is remarkable.”
“I always believed globalization would elevate soccer to a major sport in America, but even I am astonished by the recent growth. I hope the World Cup can elevate the sport to an even higher level.”
