August 9 – Heathrow Airport has signed up to become an official sponsor of England’s bid to hold the 2018 World Cup.
The airport said it will provide special facilities for those arriving in the UK in the event that the country receives the tournament and during the initial bidding process.
England 2018 chief executive Andy Anson said that the number of passengers using Heathrow Airport each day means that the bid will receive much public attention.
“We’ve already received support from football fans in over 200 countries around the world and now Heathrow’s backing will enhance the visibility of England’s bid to millions of travellers who are either travelling to – or through – one of the world’s major international gateways,” he added.
Many football fans used Heathrow Airport to travel to the World Cup this summer because it is the only hub in the UK offering direct flights to South Africa.
Brazil, which is hosting the tournament in 2014, is due to renovate 13 of its airports in preparation for the event.