Source: Daily_Mail
Former Arsenal chief Dein handed key role in England's 2018 World Cup bid
Former Arsenal chief David Dein has been drafted in to boost England's bid to hold the 2018 World Cup.[LNB]On board: Ex-Gunners vice-chairman David Dein[LNB]The 66-year-old becomes the bid's international president withimmediate effect and will play a key role along with the board chairmanLord Triesman.[LNB]'I am delighted to be part of the 2018/22 Bid and look forward to an exciting campaign,' said Dein, who has previously been vice-chairman of the Gunners and the FA. [LNB]'Having had 25 years in English, European and world football this was a challenge I could not refuse. Now the hard work begins.' [LNB]FIFA will announce in December whether England has been in successful in a bid to host either the 2018 or 2022 tournament.[LNB] Ambassador: David Beckham promotes England's bid[LNB]Triesman said: 'David has a huge amount of experience in world football and an excellent network of contacts. We are very pleased that he will be joining the team in such an important role for the crucial final 10 months.[LNB]Cheerleader: Lord Triesman[LNB]'We are happy with the way the bid is progressing but it is important to keep the momentum building in any campaign, and to peak at the optimum moment, and we are sure David can achieve that with us.'[LNB]Dein has already informally helped the bid at the Africa Cup of Nations Cup in Angola and the FIFA Under 17 World Cup in Nigeria. He will now officially embark on an extensive programme of overseas activities.[LNB]The bid's chief executive Andy Anson said: 'We are now entering a critical phase of the bid both domestically and internationally.[LNB]'Our technical bid needs to meet, and exceed, FIFA's requirements which will then be followed by the inspection visit. [LNB]'During this time we need to continue to concentrate on our message to the FIFA executive committee of why England is the right country to be awarded the honour of hosting the World Cup. [LNB]'David is able to give this international role his full focus and will play a key role in that advocacy within the campaign team.'[LNB] Sportsmail's definitive guide to England's 2018 World Cup bidCharles Sale: Michael Grade wants to succeed Lord Mawhinney as chairman of Football LeagueGullit out to down England as legend joins Holland-Belgium World Cup bidEngland's dream of hosting World Cup in 2018 boosted by FIFA chief Blatter [LNB]
