The Leeds City Region has officially launched its bid for Leeds to be a host city for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Footballing legends Norman Hunter, Peter Lorimer, Nigel Martyn and Gordon McQueen were joined by the leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Richard Brett, Leeds United manager Simon Grayson and defender Rui Marques to launch the bid on Millennium Square this morning (Wednesday).

And the message from them all was unanimous: back the bid by voting at backthebidleeds.com.

With four top professional football clubs – Leeds United, Barnsley, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City – together with other world famous sporting venues such as Headingley, Yorkshire’s sporting heritage is well known.

If the bid is successful, towns and cities which make up the Leeds City Region* would be used as locations for training grounds and ‘Fan Fests’ where supporters can gather and watch matches on big screens.

Councillor Richard Brett, leader of Leeds City Council, said:
“For Leeds to be a host city for the 2018 World Cup would be brilliant. It would ensure global coverage for the for the whole city region and provide a huge economic boost.

“We have the facilities, the fans and the support to be a host city and there is already a buzz of excitement in the air. We need everybody to give their support and register their vote by visiting backthebidleeds.com.”

Councillor Andrew Carter, deputy council leader, said:
“Yorkshire has a proud sporting heritage and it would be an honour to be a host city in 2018. It was great to see past and present footballing legends backing the bid today – but it would be even better if everybody in Yorkshire got behind us and cast their vote to ensure we are successful.”

Former Leeds United star and England World Cup winner Norman Hunter said:
“The Leeds City Region is a great sporting area and I’m delighted and honoured to be backing the bid.

“It would be terrific for the area if we can bring the World Cup to Leeds.”

Leeds is one of 15 cities across the country which have declared an interest in hosting World Cup fixtures in nine years time if the overall England bid is successful.

Leeds City Council has joined forces with Leeds United and Marketing Leeds to work on the bid process, but many other organisations are lending their support.

If Leeds secures host city status games would be played at Elland Road. It’s proposed that improvements would be made to the stadium so it would be capable hosting group, ‘round-of-16-matches’ and potentially a quarter final.

ENDS

Notes to editors: *The Leeds City Region Partnership brings together the eleven local authorities of Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield, York and North Yorkshire County Council.

For more information contact:
Jon Crampton
Leeds City Council
0113 395 1577
jon.crampton@leeds.gov.uk

Paul Dews
Leeds United
0113 367 6170
paul.dews@leedsunited.com

Andy Carter
Leeds City Council
0113 395 0393
andy.carter@leeds.gov.uk