Well-connected Dein back in the game as England 2018's wheeler-dealer

18 February 2010

David Dein, the influential former vice-chairman of Arsenal and the FA has joined England's 2018/2022 World Cup bid team with the title "International President"

Dein will share with the chairman, David Triesman, a key role in the international promotion of England’s campaign to host the World Cup. His appointment begins immediately and his vast array of contacts within the international game should provide a boost to England's chances.

David Triesman said: “David has a huge amount of experience in world football and an excellent network of contacts. We are very pleased that he will be joining the team in such an important role for the crucial final ten months.

“We are happy with the way the bid is progressing but it is important to keep the momentum building in any campaign, and to peak at the optimum moment, and we are sure David can achieve that with us.”

Dein said: “I am delighted to be part of the 2018/22 bid and look forward to an exciting campaign. Having had 25 years in English, European and world football this was a challenge I could not refuse. Now the hard work begins.”

An extensive programme of overseas activities designed to draw on Dein’s expertise has been agreed with the chairman and CEO Andy Anson.  Anson said: “We are now entering a critical phase of the bid both domestically and internationally.

"Our technical bid needs to meet, and exceed, Fifa’s requirements which will then be followed by the inspection visit. During this time we need to continue to concentrate on our message to the Fifa Executive Committee of why England is the right country to be awarded the honour of hosting the World Cup. David is able to give this international role his full focus and will play a key role in that advocacy within the campaign team."

Dein has already given assistance to the bid informally at the African Cup of Nations Cup in Angola and the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria and on other occasions.

David Dein fact file:

• former vice-chairman of Arsenal (1983-2007)

• vice-chairman of the Football Association

• represented the Premier League on the FA Board

• President of G14

• member of UEFA’s Club Competitions Committee

• assisted on various FIFA committees

Key event bid timetable:

• May 14: delivery of Bid Book

• June/July: World Cup

• Aug/Sept: FIFA Inspection Visit date tbc

• Dec 2: Vote for FIFA World Cups 2018/22