The Leeds City Region officially launched its bid to become a World Cup host city on Wednesday morning.

The city is bidding to become a host city for either the 2018 World Cup or the 2022 World Cup should England be awarded host nation status.

And a number of official Leeds World Cup Ambassadors joined Council leaders, city dignitaries, and representatives of Leeds United at the launch in Millennium Square.

The Ambassadors are former Leeds United players who have represented their respective countries in World Cups dating back to 1966.

Norman Hunter (1966 - England), Peter Lorimer (1974 - Scotland), Gordon McQueen (1978 - Scotland), Nigel Martyn (2002 - England), and Rui Marques (2006 - Angola) all attended the launch on Wednesday and spoke passionately about why they would like to see the World Cup come to this part of Yorkshire.

Allan Clarke (1970 - England), Jack Charlton (1966/1990 - England/Rep of Ireland) and Eddie Lewis (2006 - USA) have also agreed to act as a official Ambassadors and have thrown their weight behind the campaign.

Elland Road boss Simon Grayson was also at the launch, along with council leader Richard Brett, deputy council leader Andrew Carter, and Leeds United CEO Shaun Harvey.

Shaun Harvey said: "We're delighted to be associated with the bid and we're all working closely together in the hope that we can bring the World Cup to the City Region.

"I'd like to say a special thanks to the Ambassadors who have pledged their support. The club has a great history with the World Cup and we have an association going back to 1966 which is a big part of our history.

"The West Riding County FA are also supporting the bid. While the World Cup is seen as the pinnacle, it is vital that we have the support of the masses, and we would encourage everyone to support the bid."

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