The NFL’s International Series of competitive regular-season games will return to the UK in 2010 when the  San Francisco 49ers  host the  Denver Broncos, it was announced yesterday.

The game will be played at London’s Wembley Stadium on Sunday, October 31 with kickoff set for 5:00 p.m. UK time (1:00 p.m. ET). 

Having combined for seven Super Bowl victories, the 49ers and Broncos are among the most successful franchises in NFL history.

“For the past three years we have seen the extraordinary passion that exists for NFL football in the UK,” said NFL Commissioner  ROGER GOODELL.  “We want to continue to build on that passion by strengthening our ties to our existing UK fans and creating new ones.”

The 49ers, one of the most popular NFL teams in the world, are five-time NFL champions, while the Broncos have won two Super Bowls and appeared in the season finale on four other occasions. The two teams were opponents in Super Bowl XXIV.

“The 49ers organisation is excited to be part of the NFL’s 2010 international schedule,” said 49ers President and CEO  JED YORK.  “London is a wonderful venue for two of the most storied franchises in NFL history to square off.  The international games have been so well received in recent years that it will surely be an exciting experience for our players, coaches, staff and fans. We support the league’s initiative to bring NFL games to the international stage, and are looking forward to playing in front of our fans in England.”

Broncos President and CEO  PAT BOWLEN  said: “The Denver Broncos are honoured to play in London against the 49ers as part of the NFL’s International Series. Our organisation has been fortunate to play in several American Bowls in previous years, including one in London, but to play a regular-season game overseas is truly special. It’s a wonderful, historic opportunity for our franchise and will be an unforgettable experience for our players, coaches and fans.  I’m excited for the game in London and am thrilled that the Broncos will be part of the NFL’s continued international growth.”

The opportunity to register interest in buying tickets for the NFL’s International Series can be found atwww.nfluk.com/roi. Meanwhile, the NFL will continue to explore the possibility of playing a second game in the UK in 2010.