Webb officiated the second leg of the Carling Cup Manchester derby

Englishman Howard Webb has been selected as one of Fifa's 30 referees for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

It will be the first World Cup for the 38-year-old Webb, who will be assisted by Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey.

Webb caused controversy in Euro 2008 when he awarded hosts Austria a late penalty against Poland for a 1-1 draw.

Fifa has also chosen Sweden's Martin Hansson who failed to spot Thierry Henry's handball in France's contested qualifier win over Republic of Ireland.

Henry was lambasted for keeping the ball in play with his hand in the build up to William Gallas's decisive goal, but Hansson also received condemnation in the Swedish media after the incident.

Yorkshireman Webb suffered during Euro 2008 when he was on the receiving end of death threats and fierce criticism from then Poland coach Leo Beenhakker, although his decision to award the penalty was backed by Uefa.

Webb will be attempting to restore England's refereeing reputation at the highest level after Graham Poll was sent home from the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He booked Croatia's Josip Simunic three times during a group match against Australia.

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