David Downs has been promoted to president of Univision Sports, replacing Stephen J. Solomon, who stepped down April 12. Downs, the VP of Univision Sports since 1999, was responsible for acquiring the rights to the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and other FIFA properties through 2005 for a fee believed to be in the range of $150 million. Univision also owns the U.S. rights to the Copa America. While Univision weekend soccer has been cut back since the departure of its major talent to Telemundo, Univision cable affiliate Galavision has been expanding its soccer coverage. Many of the FIFA competitions and the Copa America will be shown on Galavision. Downs previously worked at ABC Sports, where he handled the World Cup. Solomon had come to Univision shortly before Downs from the National Hockey League. Solomon said he planned to “the some time off to spend with my family before I pursue other opportunities in the sports industry.”