PRINCE WILLIAM - PRINCE WILLIAM NAMED FA PRESIDENT

British royal PRINCE WILLIAM was named as the new president of the English Football Association (FA) this afternoon (16SEP05).

The 23-year-old will replace his uncle PRINCE ANDREW after the FA Cup Final on 13 May (06) - until then he will support THE DUKE OF YORK as president-designate.

William met with FA chairman GEOFF THOMPSON, its Chief Executive BRIAN BARWICK and its Executive Director, DAVID DAVIES at his father PRINCE CHARLES' official residence Clarence House, where they discussed his new role as well as current issues facing The FA and football as a whole at home and internationally.

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

"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."

William said, "I am really excited to be taking up this role. Football is a game I love playing and watching. It is also the national sport and generates extraordinary passions among millions of people.

"It certainly did last year for me when I followed England with my friends during Euro 2004, and will no doubt do so again next summer during the World Cup in Germany.

"Over the next few months I look forward to getting to know The FA well with the help of my uncle, and to understanding better the role the organisation plays in promoting the game at all levels."