13 Oct 2008FA appoints Gill and Mawhinney to 2018 board

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

The Football Association has added the names of David Gill and Lord Mawhinney to its 2018 World Cup Board.

The Manchester United boss and Football League chairman will throw their weight behind the bid to host the World Cup for the first time since 1966.

FA chairman Lord Triesman welcomed the new members and expressed his confidence in the strength of the board.

"I am delighted we have established an outstanding team of board members," he said.

"I am confident this team will put together a bid which exceeds Fifa's requirements and expectations by making the best possible case for a World Cup in England."

The posts of chief executive and chief operating officer have yet to be filled, but these appointments will likely be made before Fifa announces its timetable and bidding process later this month.

Should England win the right to host the competition it would mean a well deserved break from round the world travel for European fans – the 2010 tournament will be held in South Africa, while the 2014 event is set to go ahead in Brazil.

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