Blades lose World Cup legal plea

SHEFFIELD United has failed in a bid to take Sheffield City Council to a judicial review over claims the authority supported Sheffield Wednesday in its bid to become a World Cup venue.

Bramall Lane chiefs applied to the High Court in March after the Football Association revealed it had chosen Wednesday's ground over its rival as a potential host for matches in 2018.

Sheffield United said it had also wanted to stage matches, and said the club had spent many months in negotiations with planners over plans to bring its ground up to World Cup standards.

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The Blades argued it was overlooked because of the way the council had granted planning consent to a Hillsborough redevelopment, which was brought forward at short notice.

Last December, the Football Association announced its decision on which cities, and which grounds, would be put forward to soccer world governing body Fifa should England be chosen to host the contest in 2018.

When the Owls' ground was chosen over the Blades', many in the city footballing circles expressed surprise, because Sheffield United had appeared to make it the front runner.

In papers submitted to the High Court, Sheffield United made accusations of bias on the part of the council saying it had failed to comply with planning procedures over Wednesday's scheme.

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But yesterday, Sheffield Council, which robustly defended itself against the claims earlier this year, confirmed the High Court had decided that there was no case for the authority to answer.

A spokesman said: "Sheffield City Council notes the High Court ruling on June 17 dismissing a claim for a judicial review of the decision by the planning board.

"The High Court considered there to be no arguable grounds to challenge the decision."

Court papers lodged by United outlined three areas in which the council was alleged to have "acted improperly and unreasonably in the exercise of its duties as a public authority".

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United said both clubs were given planning permission for ground revamp projects last autumn which would have seen both stadiums upgraded to the 45,000 capacity required by Fifa.

Each club submitted a planning application in August but Sheffield United claimed the council could not have given the Owls scheme due consideration because of its emergence at short notice.

The Blades said the council gave consent for the Hillsborough project without seeing sufficient supporting information, including an assessment of the impact on local transport.

The authority was also accused of failing to provide a full enough explanation of why it had granted approval and of incorrectly allowing the Owls to alter plans for a new roof after plans were officially lodged.

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At the time the council said United's claim was "devoid of merit" and said Wednesday's application was dealt with professionally and after wide consultation.

Last night a spokesman for Sheffield United confirmed the club was aware of the decision but could not comment on whether it would take any further action in the case.

The hosts for the 2018 and the 2022 World Cups will be chosen in December this year. England is one of nine bidders for the 2018 tournament.

Leeds has also been chosen as a potential host city. England's bid must satisfy requirements for accommodation, transport, IT, medical services, broadcasting, and safety and security.