Plaque for site where first football rules agreed

Campaigners have called for international recognition for Sheffield for what they say is the city's unrivalled contribution to the development of football.

The call for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to look at the borough came as a blue plaque was revealed on the site where the so-called Sheffield Rules of the game were agreed in 1858.

The Sheffield Home of Football (SHOF) group said the Sheffield Rules heavily influenced the laws of the game as we know it today.

"All roads of football around the world come back to Sheffield," said former sports minister Richard Caborn.

The city is also home to the world's oldest football club, Sheffield FC, founded in 1857, as well as the world's oldest football ground, Sandygate, which has stood since 1860.

Friday's unveiling took place at The Crucible Theatre, formerly The Adelphi Hotel, where records show the rules were approved by Sheffield FC club members on 28 October 1858.

Mr Caborn was also announced as a SHOF patron at the unveiling.

He said UNESCO, which oversees the World Heritage Site register of important locations, "ought to recognise" the contribution Sheffield has made to football.

"We will be putting that case to UNESCO, but we need to build up that support from the governing bodies, both nationally and internationally, and also our own government."

Mr Caborn said he and Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts would be writing to the government to ask for their support, as well as the Football Association of England and world football's governing body, FIFA.

SHOF trustee Steve Wood said the Sheffield Rules made "significant" contributions to the game, including the introduction of corners, penalties and free-kicks, as well as throw-ins, goal-kicks and the involvement of a match referee.

A copy of the rulebook sold for £881,250 at auction in 2011.

Mr Wood said the SHOF group had plans to unveil further plaques, statues and signage across Sheffield, including a statue of the legendary Brazilian footballer Pele.

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