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January 4 – Sheffield United have started taking legal action over the controversial decision to choose the stadium of their greatest rivals, Sheffield Wednesday, as a host venue for the 2018 World Cup if England’s bid is successful ahead of their own Bramall Lane (pictured).
The action rests on a claim from United that Wednesday were given preferential treatment by Sheffield City Council over proposed renovations to Hillsborough Stadium, the scene of the worst football-related disaster in British history when 96 Liverpool supporters were killed in the Leppings Lane end of the ground.
United claims that the City Council fast-tracked Wednesday’s plans while their own had to go through the normal procedures.
United are initially taking their complaints to the Ombudsman before seeking an independent judicial review, if necessary.
Wednesday’s extra room for fan zones and so forth outside the ground won them the vote when England 2018 officials chose them to be part of the 17 stadiums in 12 cities that will form the centrepiece of their campaign.
United chief executive Trevor Birch said: “We are delighted to see the city…has been chosen to go forward to the next stage.
“However it is disappointing that our stadium, with its obvious benefits and current planned facilities, has not been recognised by the FA.”
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