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March 22 – David Beckham’s presence in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup can help swing the bid behind England 2018, Danny Jordaan has claimed.
Beckham’s recent Achilles injury means that he will miss the World Cup but he is still expected to attend as a cheerleader for the England squad and also to promote England’s bid.
Jordaan, the chief executive of South Africa 2010, has no doubt that his presence could be decisive in helping England’s bid.
He said: ”He’s an important factor.
“We saw when he went into Khayelitsha [the Cape Town township] for the draw in December, the excitement of the youngsters because he is an important figure in football.
“I think England’s 2018 committee understand he is a major factor in their bid and if he’s not able to play then he will have more time available to help the bid process.”
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