 Prince William is a keen sports fan |
Prince William has agreed to become president of the Football Association before the World Cup next summer. The 23-year-old Aston Villa fan will replace his uncle, the Duke of York, who gives up the role next May.
"I am really excited to be taking up this role. Football is a game I love playing and watching," he said after a meeting with FA officials.
"It is also the national sport and generates extraordinary passions among millions of people."
Prince William met FA chairman Geoff Thompson, chief executive Brian Barwick and executive director David Davies at Clarence House on Friday.
"Everyone at the FA is delighted that Prince William has agreed to be our next president," said Thompson.
"In 2000, the FA asked the Duke of York to take the role for five years. He has done a terrific job for which we are enormously grateful.
"The appointment of Prince William, initially as president-designate, means that, over the next few months, the Duke can introduce him to the FA, its leadership, its staff and its many programmes and initiatives at home and around the world.
"Prince William's enthusiasm for football both as a player and a fan is well known and we believe his presidency will prove a great asset to the national sport."
MMIX
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Match of the Day - Post-match interviews