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{ 1:51pm UK, Thursday February 03, 2011

Graham Fitzgerald, Sky News Olympics Desk

The future use of the showcase Olympic Stadium has aroused fierce passions

Supporters from Tottenham, West Ham and Leyton Orient have all written to the OPLC expressing their opposition to the venue being used for football after the Games.

Backed by the Football Supporters' Federation, they have also sent letters to the Premier League, the Football Association, Government ministers and the mayors of Newham and London.

West Ham, in a joint bid with Newham Council, want to create a 60,000-capacity facility for football, athletics, concerts and community use.

Premier League rivals Tottenham plan to knock down the £537m stadium and replace it with a purpose-built football ground.

They have pledged to create an athletics legacy by contributing to the refurbishment of the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace.

The Tottenham fans say they don't want their team moving to east London

The FSF claim both bids endanger Division One Orient's future.

FSF chairman Malcolm Clarke said: "Football appears to have learnt nothing from the Wimbledon move to Milton Keynes.

"Why the Premier League has waved through these plans we have no idea. It would appear to contradict their own rules.

"There should be no further moves on these plans until both Spurs and West Ham have fully consulted their fans and held a vote of all supporters on them."

He added: "Orient fans should also be allowed their say too. Likewise supporters of Crystal Palace. We want the Olympic Legacy Company to hear supporters' voices before they take any decision."

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan believes the move would transform the club

A spokesperson for the OPLC said it was aware of the supporters' concerns and had replied to their letters.

The most important thing, she added, was for them to make sure their respective clubs knew how they felt.

The latest development comes as West Ham and Spurs provide the OPLC with additional information regarding their bids.

According to reports, the legacy company will decide between the two bids next week with a view to having a deal in place by the end of the financial year.

Agences de presses

Labels: Fight, Olympic, Stadium