FA in bid for world club tournament

The World's top clubs could be heading for England in 2003 if the Football Association win the race to host FIFA's World Club Championship.

After missing out on the World Cup in 2006, officials at the FA are eager to prove their ability to host major international tournaments.

David Davies, the FA's executive director and head of international relations, is heading the bid and has lodged an interest with FIFA. The FA have until 31 May to withdraw or confirm their candidature. An FA spokesman said today: "We have expressed an interest."

The competition attracted controversy in January 2000 when Manchester United pulled out of the FA Cup to play in the inaugural tournament in Brazil.

There are no English representatives in this year's 12-team World Club Championship being held in Spain in July and August. But if FIFA award the 2003 competition to England at their annual conference in Buenos Aires on 5 July, up to three teams from the host nation could take part.

The conference in Argentina is also due to decide whether to expand the tournament from 12 to 16 clubs.

The FA have not yet designated which grounds would be used in July and August 2003 if successful, but with Wembley out of action until at least December 2004, Villa Park, Old Trafford, Anfield, St James' Park and either White Hart Lane or Chelsea would be likely to figure.