Sheffield has been successful in its aim to become part of England’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022.
The England 2018 panel chose the Steel City along with 11 other cities as they look to finalise their bid to host the biggest event in international team sports for the first time since 1966.
The Sheffield bid had originally included both Hillsborough and Bramall Lane but the selection process has clearly viewed the Wednesday ground, which has had planning permission for extensive redevelopment approved, as a more attractive proposition to take forward.
Factors that contributed to deciding which grounds to take forward included the football ground facilities, associated fan parks, training sites, accommodation and general infrastructure.
Hillsborough proved to be a popular venue when utilised as part of England’s hosting of Euro 96 and the 1997 League Cup Final replay was also held at the home of the Owls.
England 2018 will formally deliver their bid to FIFA in May of next year with the winning bids expected to be announced in December 2010.
Other stadiums included in the bid are:
Emirates Stadium, Wembley, new White Hart Lane or Olympic Stadium, Eastlands, Old Trafford, Stadium of Light, Villa Park, Elland Road, St James’ Park, new Nottingham Forest Stadium, Home Park, Anfield, Stadium MK and New Ashton Vale.