David Beckham will stay on in South Africa to assist England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup despite the passing of his grandfather.

David Beckham is set to stay in South Africa to assist England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup despite being told his grandfather has died.

It is understood the former England captain, 34, who is with the bid team on the 2018 campaign trail in Cape Town, wants to stay and do his duty for his country after learning today that his grandfather Joseph West had died aged 83 after a serious illness.

It is not yet known whether the Los Angeles Galaxy and AC Milan star will remain in South Africa until Friday's draw for the finals of next year's tournament.

Beckham's plans may change if the funeral is arranged for later this week.