Sebastian Coe, the driving force behind London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics, will add his weight to England's campaign to host the 2018 or 2022 soccer World Cup, the FA said on Wednesday. Coe has accepted an invitation to become a non-executive Board member of the World Cup bidding company.
The double Olympic 1500 metres gold medallist will remain chairman of the 2012 Games organising committee (LOCOG) and will continue in his role as vice president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). However, he will temporarily step down from his position as chairman of FIFA's ethics committee.
Coe, a lifelong Chelsea fan, told the FA website (www.thefa.com): "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.