West Ham extend Obama invitation

Obama last visited Britain in July

West Ham are to invite US President-elect Barack Obama to watch a game at Upton Park when he next visits the UK.

Obama saw West Ham play during a visit to see his half-sister Auma in 2003.

"We are very proud of what Barack Obama has achieved and respect what he has done," West Ham director Mike Lee told BBC Sport.

"We plan to send him a letter of congratulations and invite him to come to game at Upton Park the next time he is in London," added Lee.

Obama was elected the first African-American US president on Tuesday with a resounding win over Republican rival John McCain.

A keen sports fan, Obama's 10-year-old daughter Malia plays for a girls' football team in Chicago.

The President-elect last visited Britain in July when he met Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Conservative leader David Cameron.

At that time he would have been unable to have watched West Ham as the club were preparing for the start of the current season.