England 2018 Bid Signs First Sponsor
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have become the first of what is expected to be many sponsors to back England’s bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The tax and advisory services firm has a longstanding involvement with England sport bids, including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
As the first sponsor, PwC will act as business adviser for the campaign to host the World Cup 2018 in England. It will work to provide independent advice to various aspects of the bid, helping England 2018 in their discussions with key stakeholders, including the UK government, applicant host cities and FIFA.
Among those to announce the sponsorship were PwC Chairman Ian Powell and Pwc Head of Sport Julie Clark, as well as former Chelsea player and England 2018 board member Paul Elliott.
‘We are tremendously passionate about our partnership with England 2018, as well as the UK sports market, and look forward to providing economic impact assessment, guidance on tax and guarantees, and advice on the budget to the bid team,’ Ms. Clark of PwC said. ‘PwC has a strong regional network of offices which is very well aligned with the list of applicant host cities and the sponsorship therefore benefits the firm across the UK.’
England 2018’s Chairman and the England FA, Lord Triesman commented on the partnership, as well: ‘PwC will provide us with excellent support throughout the campaign … We have been working with PwC for a number of months and have been impressed by both their professionalism and quality of service.
‘Their experience and track record in sport and on other bids is also significant and we look forward to engaging further with PwC’s network of offices and employees around the world.’
England is one of eight competitors bidding to host the 2018 tournament and one of 10 bidding to host the 2022 tournament. The decision for both tournaments will be announced in Zurich in December 2010.
