London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe (photo) has been appointed as a non executive board member of England's bid team for the right to host the 2018 World Cup.

Coe led the team which successfully won the right to stage the 2012 Olympics in London and has been granted a leave of absence from his role as chairman of FIFA's ethics committee to avoid any conflict of interest.

"I firmly believe that making Lord Coe a member of our executive board significantly enhances our chances of success," said Football Association chairman David Triesman, who is also chairman of England 2018 Ltd., the company formed to lead the bid.

"Lord Coe is a highly regarded international sports ambassador who is not only passionate about football but also commands great respect in the global football community.

"His experiences in leading the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid and generating a wealth of domestic and international support will be invaluable to us."

Coe is the second member of the London Olympic bid team to become a non executive director of the World Cup team, following Keith Mills.