Tennis chief handed 2018 bid role

The head of men's professional tennis in Europe is to lead England's bid to host football's 2018 World Cup.

Andy Anson is European chief executive of the ATP - the governing body of men's tennis - and will start a similar role for the World Cup bid in January.

"It is an absolute privilege to be invited to take the role," said the 44-year-old, a former commercial director of Manchester United.

Bid chairman Lord Triesman said he had "an excellent pedigree" for the job.

Etienne de Villiers, ATP executive chairman, said: "He brought great passion and experience to his role in leading one of the biggest and most important markets in world tennis and did so with great distinction.

"I have no doubt that Andy will bring these qualities and more to his new position - the FA could not have picked a better person to lead their bid for the 2018 World Cup."