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June 10 - David Beckham was again the attraction at the 60th FIFA Congress today as he once again lent his weight to England’s bid to stage the 2018 World Cup, including meeting with UEFA President Michel Platini.
The England midfielder’s role as an ambassador of the 2018 bid is one of the key reasons for his presence in South Africa after an Achilles injury ruled him out of this year’s tournament.
He was joined in supporting England’s bid at the Sandton Convention Centre by former South Africa and Leeds United defender Lucas Radebe at the Bidders Exhibition which followed the conclusion of this year’s Congress, where delegates from the 208 FIFA member associations had gathered.
Other bid teams have their star names on hand too with the Holland-Belgium bid enjoying the backing of Dutch legends Johan Cruyff and Ruud Gullit, while Russia had Arsenal star Andrei Arshavin representing them.
Beckham’s appearance at the World Cup draw in December helped put the bid back on track following a damaging period of internal strife and it is hoped that their trip to South Africa will have a similar effect following the controversial departure of Lord Triesman, the former chairman of the Football Association and the bid.
Beckham travelled from Capello’s base in Rustenburg to appear at an Expo.