Coe joins World Cup bid

Lord Coe has been confirmed as a non-executive board member of England's 2018 World Cup bid team.

Lord Coe, whose appointment was confirmed by England 2018 ltd. on Wednesday morning, adds a wealth of experience to the bidding having led the team that successfully secured the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics for London.

Lord Coe said: "I look forward to playing my part in our bid for the FIFA World Cup. I am passionate about football so am delighted to be standing alongside many other people and football greats up and down the country in bidding for this event."

He currently chairs the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a position he will continue to hold alongside the vice presidency of the IAAF.

He has, though, agreed a leave of absence from his position as chairman of FIFA's ethics committee for the duration of his involvement with the 2018 bid.

Lord Coe is two years into an eight-year contract with FIFA and will return to the post once his work with the World Cup team is complete, probably in around 18 months.

PA Sport understands that Lord Coe will not receive a salary for his position with the 2018 bid.

He added: "Winning the football World Cup would be the hat-trick in a golden era for sport in the UK following the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

"I would like to thank FIFA President Mr. Blatter for agreeing to this arrangement."

England 2018 Ltd Chairman, Lord Triesman said: "I firmly believe that making Lord Coe a member of our executive board significantly enhances our chances of success."