The FA Board today gave full approval to The FA's bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2018.

A 63-page report gave members a comprehensive breakdown of the proposed Bid structure, timetable and estimated costs over the three-year Bid period, together with an outline of the proposed strategy, and the role of stakeholders within the Bid.

The Board approved the setting up of a 100%-owned subsidiary company within The FA to manage the Bid. This would be governed by an Executive Board made up of a Bid Chairman, a Bid Chief Executive, the FA Chairman Lord Triesman and two Deputy Chairmen. The Bid management structure would consist of three departments, looking after the Technical Bid, the Bid Campaign and Government Liaison, all reporting to the Bid Chairman, the Bid CEO and Bid Chief Operating Officer.

The role of the Government in a successful Bid was acknowledged, and a structure for working with Government was outlined.

The report anticipates a period of six months before the full Bid team will be identified and assembled during which time The FA Chairman Lord Triesman will lead an interim management group.

The report recommends an approach focusing on the benefits that a World Cup in England would bring to the development of football around the world, and commits England to producing a World Cup legacy which enriches the opportunities for football to flourish in all parts of the world.

The Board also approved a process for the selection of Host Cities for the World Cup and the budget for the Bid.

The roles in the Bid team will be openly advertised in the next few weeks and head-hunters will be used to identify candidates for the most senior roles.

The Board also gave full approval for Cardiff City to participate in next season’s UEFA Cup as one of England’s representatives, should they win this season’s FA Cup.

It was decided that the Welsh National Anthem would also be played ahead of the game.

The FA are delighted Sir Bobby Robson has accepted our invitation to attend The FA Cup Final as Chief Guest, 30 years after successfully managing Ipswich Town to FA Cup glory.

The Board unanimously agreed the final details of The FA’s Strategic Vision for the period 2008 – 2012. Precise details of the strategy will be announced in forthcoming weeks.

Further discussions on the National Football Centre enjoyed positive progress and a definitive decision on the NFC is expected at The FA Board Meeting on 3 June.