Anson Appointed as Non-Exec Director of BOA

The head of England’s failed 2018 World Cup bid, Andy Anson has been confirmed as an independent director of the British Olympic Association (BOA).

Anson, former commercial director at Manchester United, said: “It is an exciting moment in time to be involved with Olympic sport in the UK.”

Anson will be joined by commercial lawyer Denise Jagger as non-executive directors on the 16-strong board, with the pair holding voluntary positions over a two-year term.

The ex-European chief executive of tennis’ ATP Tour, added: “I am thrilled to be able to add my commercial and sports management experience to the BOA board to benefit Team GB athletes in London 2012 and beyond.

“I will use my global commercial insight from my work in football, tennis and the media to provide advice and guidance to support the wider family of Olympic sports.”

Anson was a public figure when England’s bid to stage the 2018 World Cup ended with just two votes, including one from their own representative – with Russia going on to claim the hosting rights. He was known to be hugely against the BBC’s decision to broadcast a scathing Panorama report accusing FIFA of corruption just days before the voting process.