City keeps eye on ball in bid for 2018 World Cup clash

Last month it was announced that Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough ground had been chosen ahead of Sheffield United's stadium as one of 15 potential venues for England's bid to host the World Cup in 2018. It is likely that, if England is selected, the list will be whittled down to a final 12.

"Flabbergasted" bosses at United said they would be seeking clarification why the ground hadn't been selected. The club's legal team then wrote to Sheffield Council to query how "planning issues" were handled.

Both clubs had received planning permission to extend their grounds to seat up to 45,000 supporters, should they be chosen to host World Cup matches.

A spokesman for Sheffield Council said they had replied to that letter, though they had not heard anything since from Sheffield United. It is also not yet clear if any further legal action from the club will follow.

Yesterday, those heading Sheffield's World Cup bid said that the in-fighting wouldn't impact on FIFA's choice of which grounds will be used, should England be selected to host the contest.

Director of culture at Sheffield Council Paul Billington said: "Relations are strong between Sheffield Council and Sheffield United and will remain so. We feel strongly that we have acted in a totally transparent and professional way. We have treated both clubs equally and fairly.

"Provided that we continue to work constructively with England 2018 and don't take anything for granted, Sheffield will continue to perform highly.

"We are in a strong position and the current concerns aren't in any way putting our city or our bid at risk."

No one from Sheffield United was available to comment.

As well as Hillsborough, Leeds United's Elland Road stadium has also been selected as a potential World Cup venue.

In December, FIFA will announce if England has been selected to host the contest. If successful a final list of the host grounds will be drawn up by May 2013.