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Sunday, 14 March 2010

World News Anson Handed World Cup Role

Andy Anson, the former commercial director of Manchester United, has been appointed chief executive of England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

Anson, 44, is currently European chief executive of the ATP - governing body of men's professional tennis - and will take up his new role in January.

The appointment comes after Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry turned down the job earlier this week.

Anson said: "It is an absolute privilege to be invited to take the role and play a part in the bid to bring the World Cup tournament back to England in 2018.

"It's a tremendous challenge and within the excitement there's also a huge responsibility for all of us working on the project.

"A World Cup here can benefit the nation and unite communities across the country but this is also a bid that will aim to unite the entire globe.

"We have fantastic infrastructure already in place - including some of the best and most famous stadia in world football - but that alone will not be enough.

"We cannot afford to sit back and expect success. We will have to work extremely hard to show the world that England is the place for the World Cup in 2018 and I'm delighted I shall be playing my part."

Lord Triesman, bid chairman and independent chairman of the FA, said Anson had "an excellent pedigree".

"He had an outstanding record at Manchester United and understands both the football and commercial sides of the industry," said Triesman.

"In his current role he has been at the centre of professional tennis and has done a tremendous job for the sport."

Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association

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