Orient judicial review bid rejected

Leyton Orient’s written application for a judicial review of West Ham’s tenancy of the Olympic Stadium has been rejected. The club could ask for a hearing before a court, but that would involve additional cost and would be unlikely to succeed.

There is an increasing resort to judicial reviews by those who perceive that they have been adversely affected by a decision, but the issue is whether the procedures by which that decision was reached have been flawed.

Why United stay on top

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that you should not retire but stay active and engaged.  He is living testimony to the wisdom of such a course.   He is already planning to strengthen his squad over the summer and United chief executive David Gill has pledged that the money will be available.

Usmanov tops rich list

Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has moved to the top of the new Sunday Times rich list with a fortune of £13,300m.   The Russian citizen, born in Uzbekistan, shares with Farhard Moshiri (ranked 41=) a near 30 per cent stake in Arsenal.

However, majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has kept him off the board.   ‘It rankles me,’ Usmanov is quoted as saying.   At times he has tried to present himself as the person who has the interests of Arsenal fans at heart.

Up for the Cup

The 5.15 timing for this year’s FA Cup final has provoked controversy.   Wigan Athletic fans are particularly aggrieved.  By the time the game has finished it will be too late for them to get to Euston and catch a train home.   The FA’s response has been to recommend using a coach, provided by one of their sponsors, National Express.  But this could mean a return home well after midnight, not fun if you have small children with you.

Restructuring row rumbles on in Scotland

The row over restructuring the Scottish leagues is rumbling on with no sign of a resolution in sight. The Scottish Football League (SFL) has rejected the Scottish FA’s offer of help in the row. The SFL wants to discuss all the possible options internally, which could include a breakway to join the top flight.

The Scottish Premier League’s (SPL) 12-12-18 proposals were rejected on Monday after they failed to secure the necessary 11-1 majority, St. Mirren and Ross County voting against.