Estimated £300m boost for Sheffield if it wins 2018 World Cup bid

A LEADING sport economics academic is predicting a £300m boost for Sheffield if it wins its bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Chris Gratton, a professor of sport economics and co-director of the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, told delegates at a Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Sheffield 2018 event that the city stood to significantly increase its revenue if it secured the games.

The event was organised to encourage local businesses to back the bid and recognise the benefits of bringing FIFA World Cup games and fans to the city.

Football legend Gordon Banks and Liberal Democrat leader and Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg also addressed delegates.

Mr Clegg said: “Sheffield would make an excellent host city for the 2018 World Cup. Hosting World Cup matches would only add to our great city’s already fine sporting heritage.

“Local businesses and organisations must now all come together to secure the opportunity to show off Sheffield to the travelling fans from across the globe.”