Thursday 1 October 2015 16:15, UK
The decision ordering West Ham to release financial details of the club's move to the Olympic Stadium has been appealed.
The Information Commissioner ruled on September 15 that the terms of the deal should be made public, after Freedom of Information was requested by campaigners.
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) and the Premier League club insist that in the interests of commercial confidentiality the details of the deal involving the largely taxpayer-funded stadium should remain private.
On Thursday, the LLDC made their objections more formal and lodged an appeal against the Information Commissioner's judgment, claiming the order would hamper any future negotiations over its use. West Ham said on Thursday afternoon they fully backed the appeal.
The LLDC statement read: "This follows careful consideration, informed by legal advice, and is limited to a smaller number of redactions.
"The appeal relates only to information which, if released, could significantly reduce the level of financial return to the taxpayer as it would undermine negotiations with future users of the stadium and other partners.
"We have listened to the Commissioner's comments and as a public body are committed to maximising transparency.
"As a result, we will shortly publish more details of the agreement with West Ham United in all areas that fall outside the scope of our appeal. "
The Hammers will take on a 99-year deal as tenants of the stadium in east London, at a reported annual cost of £2.5m, from the start of next season.
A coalition of club supporters' trusts, who formed to contest the decision to allow West Ham the move, recently praised the decision to release information.
West Ham expressed their support for the LLDC's decision to appeal the judgment and the subsequent release of a more detailed version of their contract with them.
A Hammers spokesperson said: "From West Ham United's point of view, other than the personal affairs of our shareholders, we are happy to disclose the entire document, the details of which have been accurately reported widely enough already.
"However, quite clearly, E20 must continue to best serve the taxpayer through the negotiation of future contracts with potential users of the stadium and it is therefore only right that details which affect their ability to do so remain confidential."
