2018 bid restructures board

England 2018 bid leaders have announced a major re-structuring of its board to try and end the recent turmoil that has blighted the campaign.

A new streamlined executive board has been appointed following an emergency meeting that will be responsible for England's 2018 strategy and day-to-day running of the bid.

Significantly it includes FIFA vice-president Geoff Thompson who had been bafflingly omitted from the original board. Chaired by Lord Triesman, the streamlined board will include Thompson alongside Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards, Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney, Lord Coe, Paul Elliott and chief executive Andy Anson.

Original board members such as David Gill, Sir Keith Mills and sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe will join an advisory group headed by Karren Brady.

Triesman said: "We've got to a point where the England 2018 campaign requires focus, determination and where everybody involved has a specific purpose to help us win the bid. In our view, these changes reflect a positive development and send a loud message of an absolute determination to bring the World Cup tournament to England."

Thompson said: "The World Cup bid is a tremendous opportunity for English football and the nation as a whole to showcase its facilities, its hospitality and its overall ability to stage the greatest tournament in the world. I am delighted to be involved on the new board."