The bid, which was heavily criticised by FIFA executive committee member Jack Warner last month, went through a restructuring process last week that saw six members stepping down from the board.
“With the recent changes to the England 2018 bid team structure, I feel I can now best support a successful bid without the necessity of sitting on the board,” Richards said in a statement.
Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe said he was "sad and disappointed" following Richards' resignation but that he was pleased he will still be in contact with the bid in an advisory role.
Yesterday Manchester United chief executive David Gil, one of the members who stood down and is now an advisor to the board, said bid was “back on track”.
