Another lovely celebration...

There weren't enough candles to satisfy the years and not exceed the permissible fire code for Birthday Cakes as a delicious end to a lovely dinner with friends at Elaine's topped off my midterm celebration.

New York is the Business Capital of the World...

Harold Mayne-Nicholls, on behalf of the Federación de Fútbol de Chile, made his way to New York on Sunday, April 18th, to do business on their behalf. I had the pleasure to renew the relationship established during the Women's World Cup in Chile, 2008. Harold has done a great job in Chile and is a solid figure in FIFA where his efforts have benefited his entire continent. We had time for a nice dinner at Bice during his visit.

In his annual visit to New York...

Michel Platini's April visit was commemorated with a casual photo with Chuck at his office in New York. Blazer said, "I am always happy to see Michel here. Not only do we have a great friendship, but we have always found ways to solve problems. With good will there are good solutions."



Michel, mon ami, we look forward to your return.

Who will be the winner?

Arm wrestling between England's F.A. Chairman Lord David Triesman and U.S. Soccer's President Sunil Gulati might seem like the gentlemanly way to settle the issue, but all of us know that we will have to wait until June 12 in Rustenburg, South Africa to know who will be victorious in the opening match between these two warriors in FIFA's World Cup South Africa 2010.



Looking on from the back of the table are David Dein and Chuck Blazer as the group had dinner last night at the Oak Room in the Plaza Hotel on Central Park South. The England Bid Committee 2018/2022 made a formal presentation today at CONCACAF's New York offices capped off with a luncheon hosted by the British Consul General Sir Alan Collins.

On both days, the Boardroom came alive with UEFA Champions League matches where Arsenal won 5-0 and ManU likewise had a shutout with a 4 goal margin. Delegation members Dein and Andy Anson may consider the CONCACAF office as the sweet spot to view important games. They are always welcome back but have been cautioned that the result on June 12 could be very different since the magic of the room is a home advantage. We'll have to wait and see.

It hadn't rained in the desert like this since Noah...

Season's Greetings...

Chuck on the job at the FCWC in Abu Dhabi...