FA confirm World Cup bid

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The Football Association have confirmed that England will bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Fifa's decision to end the policy of rotating the event between continents has thrown the 2018 race wide open.

A bid for the 2018 finals has been mooted for some time with British prime minister Gordon Brown having already thrown the government's weight behind a bid.

After a board meeting on Wednesday The FA have now confirmed they will launch a bid for the 2018 finals.

England last hosted the World Cup in 1966 when they ended up winning it and they lost out to Germany for the right to host the 2006 finals.

England are likely to face stiff competition in the battle to stage the finals as Australia, China, Mexico, USA, Japan, Russia, Spain and a joint bid from Belgium and Netherlands are all in the running for the right to host the tournament.

FA chairman Geoff Thompson said: "I'm delighted to announce our intention to bid to host the World Cup in 2018.

"This follows Fifa's announcement on Monday that the previous rotation policy will be discontinued, and the positive comments made by FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

"The tremendous support from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his government has also been a key consideration in today's decision.

"I'm delighted the FA board have been so positive in their support for a bid. It would be tremendous for English football and the whole country if we are successful."

FA chief executive Brian Barwick added: "This is a great moment for all of us who love the game in this country. The excitement and expectation from the public to a prospective bid has been incredible.

"It is very clear that the English football public want to see the World Cup back in this country."

Richard Caborn, Prime Minister Gordon Brown's World Cup ambassador, also expressed his delight at the news.

"I am delighted at this hugely positive announcement from the Football Association," noted Caborn.

"I look forward to working closely with them to promote their bid to bring the

greatest prize in football to this country for the first time in 52 years."