Prince to lead 2018 bid

December 22, 2008

Prince William is president of the FA and is backing England’s bid for the World Cup in 2018. David Beckham and John Barnes are the vice-presidents on the battle to be hosts.

Triesman said: “Fifa guys meet very famous footballers all the time - it is not a surprise to them. The footballers have to bring something else.

“Beckham does and another person does in that generation - Prince William.”

He added: “They are capable of having an extraordinary impact.”

Triesman also feels the bid will bring the FA and Premier League back together.

Rifts between the two organisations have opened in recent months amid concern over the FA’s Respect campaign, which aims to “combat unacceptable behaviour in our game at every level - on the pitch and from the sidelines”, over claims that the top flight is not being listened to enough and FA director of football Sir Trevor Brooking’s outspoken criticisms of youth development.

“This bid truly should bring the FA and Premier League together,” he stated.

“I have not met anybody in any of the clubs, including the overseas owners, who doesn’t want us to go for it.

“They are up for it. There is much more broad sympathy between groups than in the past, when they have not always meshed together. That is encouraging.”

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.