HTA agreed to pay U.S women’s soccer $200,000 but never received executed contract
KRYSTLE MARCELLUS / KMARCELLUS@STARADVERTISER.COM
The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team practiced at Aloha Stadium on Saturday.
George Szigeti, President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, said the HTA has not paid out any of the $200,000 appearance fee it had agreed to pay the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team for its appearance in Hawaii to play a game against the national team of Trinidad and Tobago.
After practicing at Aloha Stadium on Saturday, the U.S. team decided it would not play the match scheduled for Sunday, claiming the playing surface at the stadium did not meet safety standards.
Szigeti sent the following statement to media Monday afternoon:
“The principal terms of the proposed agreement were for the Hawaii Tourism Authority to pay $200,000 to serve as a marketing sponsor in support of the soccer match between the U.S. Women’s National Team and Trinidad and Tobago. None of the sponsorship funds have been paid out, as HTA has never received an original, fully executed and notarized signed contract from the U.S. Soccer Federation.
“HTA’s primary objectives in supporting this international sports event was to showcase the Hawaiian Islands to soccer fans worldwide, and to give residents and visitors, especially Hawaii’s youth soccer players, an opportunity to see the World Cup Champions in action. We were not aware that a cancellation was being considered until shortly before the team announced its decision late Saturday night. Obviously, we were very disappointed especially for the fans who had bought tickets and were excited about seeing the U.S. Women’s National Team play in person.”
HTA requested an original, notarized signed contract from the U.S. Soccer Federation on Nov. 19, but only received an informal, electronic copy on Nov. 25, which is not legally acceptable for execution (a copy of the electronic version is attached). HTA still has not received an original, notarized signed contract from the U.S. Soccer Federation, according to the HTA.
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U.S. Soccer officials were not immediately available for comment late Monday.
4 responses to “HTA agreed to pay U.S women’s soccer $200,000 but never received executed contract”
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Don’t pay. They didn’t play.
no legal contract? no opponent in the state days prior to the event? sounds like fifa’s discriminatory players’ policies was the ultimate target and the aloha stadium crew played their role by failing to provide a safe field for world class soccer play.
the thousands of local female soccer players understandably are disappointed. but in time, the sacrifices of the u.s. women’s soccer team coupled with that of local fans will result in fairer playing conditions for all women’s soccer players.
A reputation at stake? HTA may avoid the payment but word will get around that this venue is for the pits.
Poor planning on the Soccer teams management. Don’t they have a representative to visually inspect the facilities/field. One or three weeks in advance??…….Whats the difference ?We have a MORE Extreme sport,like UH Warriors Football, High School Football, and The NFL football(Pro-bowl) playing at the stadium…Safety Standards?? Oh Please! Don’t pay them a DIME!