Prince William to become President of English Football Association

Prince William will take over from his uncle, Prince Andrew, as president of the English Football Association a month before next year's World Cup.

The FA announced on Friday that the 23-year-old son of Prince Charles will act alongside his uncle as "president-designate" up to and including next year's FA Cup final at Wembley on May 13.

Prince William, an avid Aston Villa fan, met FA chairman Geoff Thompson, chief executive Brian Barwick and executive director David Davies at Clarence House on Friday to discuss his role.

"Everyone at the FA is delighted that Prince William has agreed to be our next president," Thompson said.

"In 2000 the FA asked the Duke of York (Prince Andrew) 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 programs 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."