The leading figures in England’s bid to stage the 2018 World Cup have announced a major re-structuring of their board in an attempt to end the recent turmoil that has blighted the campaign.
After an emergency meeting today, a new streamlined executive board for England 2018 has been appointed that will be responsible for the strategy and day-to-day running of the bid.
It includes Geoff Thompson, the Fifa vice-president, who had been a surprise omission from the initial board.
Chaired by Lord Triesman, the new board will also include Sir Dave Richards, the Premier League chairman, Lord Mawhinney, the Football League chairman, Lord Coe, Paul Elliott and Andy Anson, chief executive officer of the bid team.
Original board members such as David Gill, Sir Keith Mills and Gerry Sutcliffe, the Sports Minister, will join an advisory group headed by Karren Brady.
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Triesman said: “We’ve got to a point where the England 2018 campaign requires focus, determination and where everybody involved has a specific purpose to help us win the bid. In our view, these changes reflect a positive development and send a loud message of an absolute determination to bring the World Cup tournament to England.
“The World Cup bid is a tremendous opportunity for English football and the nation as a whole to showcase its facilities, its hospitality and its ability to stage the greatest tournament in the world. I am delighted to be involved on the new board.”