LA to submit bid to host World Cup

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David Beckham #23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy kicks the ball during the MLS Cup final against Real Salt Lake at Qwest Field on November 22, 2009 in Seattle, Washington.

The City Council today voted to submit a bid for Los Angeles to host the 2018 or 2020 FIFA World Cup.

Such a bid will be moot, however, if the United States is not chosen to be the host country for the games.

Britain, Russia, and Qatar are also vying for the chance to host the World Cup. The decision of soccer's governing body, the International Federation of Association Football, is expected to be made sometime before June 2011, according to FIFA's Web site.

"I hope we get it," said Councilman Tom LaBonge. "The Memorial Coliseum is the place to play."

Pasadena is pushing the Rose Bowl, which hosted the World Cup in 1994.

Next year's World Cup will be held in South Africa.