Financial giant PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) has become the first sponsor of England's bid to host the 2018 Fifa World Cup, and will invest £1 million (US$1.65 million) in cash and services over the next year.

PwC will act as business adviser for the campaign, appointing a 14-strong team led by Julie Clark, head of sport at PricewaterhouseCooper, to work with the bid committee.

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"We are tremendously passionate about our partnership with England 2018, as well as the UK sports market, and look forward to providing economic impact assessment, guidance on tax and guarantees, and advice on the budget to the bid team," said Clark.

"PwC has a strong regional network of offices which is very well aligned with the list of applicant host cities and the sponsorship therefore benefits the firm across the UK."

November's issue of SportsPro magazine features an in-depth interview with England 2018 chief executive Andy Anson. For more information on SportsPro magazine, click here.