By Duncan Mackay
February 1 – London Mayor Boris Johnson (pictured) is take over as the head of a high-powered group co-ordinating the capital’s support for England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup, it was announced today.
He is become the chairman of London United, replacing Simon Greenberg, who has taken over as chief of staff at England 2018, and will be joined on the group for the first time by some of the most influential figures in English football, including Ivan Gazidis, the chief executive of Arsenal, and Daniel Levy, the chairman of Tottenham Hotspur.
The Emirates Stadium and Tottenham’s proposed new ground at White Hart Lane are two of the four stadiums selected by England 2018 to be part of their bid, along with Wembley and the Olympic Stadium being built for London 2012.
Johnson made his announcement following a meeting at City Hall today with England 2018 chairman Lord Triesman and chief executive Andy Anson.
He said: “I am delighted that London is included as part of England’s bid to host the World Cup in 2018.
“The capital has the crown jewels of the national bid with our world-class stadia, accommodation and transport connections.
“Londoners are also passionate about football and teams competing in the World Cup can expect enthusiastic support for their own supporters who make their home here.
“But we’re not taking anything for granted - we really want to bring the tournament to the capital.
“We have brought together a crack new team to build on the first stage of the bid and get that first goal in the back of the net.”
The London United group was initially formed to drive the capital’s successful campaign to become a candidate host city within the national bid.
A smaller, high-level group will now work closely with the England 2018 bid senior team to support the overall national strategy, Johnson revealed.
Besides Gazidis and Levy, London United will also include Wembley Stadium’s managing director, Roger Maslin as well as representatives from London Government and England 2018.
Wembley will host the opening match and final if England’s bid is successful.
Triesman (pictured above with Johnson) said: ”We are delighted that the Mayor has decided to chair London United.
“It demonstrates that the bid has political support at the highest level and that London, the world’s leading city, is fully committed to bringing the World Cup to England.
“I am very much looking forward to working closely with the Mayor on England’s bid.”
In addition to hosting matches during a World Cup, London remains crucially important to the national bid as the potential base for many supporters, FIFA officials and the media.
FIFA officials are expected to visit London later in the year as part of an inspection tour of bidding countries.
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