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World Cup bid team's Wembley showdown
A DELEGATION from Sheffield travelled to London today to hand in the city's bid to stage matches if England is chosen to host the 2018 football World Cup.
Representatives of Sheffield United and Wednesday, Sheffield Council leader Paul Scriven, plus a group of young people aged from eight to their early 20s were heading to Wembley Stadium.
The group, also including the Sheffield Wednesday band and entertainer Bernie Clifton, was handing in a 462 page document in support of the city's bid.
Sheffield is competing with 15 other places around the country to hold matches - which were also handing in their bids.
Coun Scriven said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. FIFA president Sepp Blatter called Sheffield 'the greatest city in England' when he came to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the world's oldest club Sheffield FC. We hope the FA agree." Coun Scriven said the cost of putting together Sheffield's campaign to hold matches has cost around 400,000, approximately half of which is public money, from the council and development agencies Creative Sheffield and Yorkshire Forward.
"It is a small sum when you consider that studies have show a city hosting World Cup matches can enjoy a boost to its economy of between 141 million and 300 million, depending on which matches it holds," he said. The document outlining Sheffield's bid details the city's assets ranging from its stadia to transport infrastructure and hotels.
Each chapter is introduced by different people, who explain why they think Sheffield should be chosen. Coun Scriven said everyone was hopeful the bid will be accepted.
Sheffield will learn if its bid has been successful on December 16 and adecision on which country is chosen by FIFA will be made next year.
- Martin Smith travels with the city's bid team: see tomorrow's Star.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
