The city of Leeds, on behalf of the Leeds City Region, submitted its application to be a Host City for the 2018 World Cup at Wembley on the 26th November 2009. The club was represented by Peter Lorimer.

A further opportunity to make the case as to why Leeds should be a Host City is available on the December 14 to the selection panel chaired by Lord Mawhinney.

The decision as to which cities will be included in the England bid will be announced on the December 16.

As part of the application a number of artists impressions as to how a 50,000 capacity at Elland Road could be achieved as shown.

There is no preferred option for the redevelopment as things currently stand.

Any scheme would be subject to a successful planning application which is unlikely to be formally submitted until after the host country is decided by FIFA in December 2010.

Due to the specific stadium requirements imposed by FIFA then it is likely that the redevelopment of the Kop will be a two-tier stand to approximately the same height as the current East Stand.

The redevelopment of the East Stand for which we already have planning permission will play a significant part in providing us the facilities required by FIFA to stage matches in the World's greatest competition.

Artist's impressions courtesy of Leeds City Council Architectural Design Services. Top image is North West Corner.