Friday 9 October 2015 15:52, UK
Taxpayers will foot the bill for ticket checkers, medical staff and cleaners at games when West Ham move to the Olympic Stadium, Sky Sport News HQ can reveal.
The club also will not have to pay for turnstile operators, much of the security and steward personnel and catering staff on match days.
West Ham have agreed to rent the £700m Olympic Stadium for 99 years from the start of the 2016/17 season.
The London Legacy Development Corporation is appealing against a ruling to publish the rental contract in full, a process that could take up to six months. It has, however, issued the contract to Sky Sports News HQ with fewer redactions than previously published, but crucially has not revealed how much rent West Ham will be paying.
The contract shows that West Ham will have to pay a different amount each year, depending on which league the club are playing in and a higher amount for every position they finish 10th or above in the Premier League.
The club will also have to pay an additional fee if they win the FA Cup or qualify for the Europa League or Champions League. The contract even makes provision for an additional payment should they win the Europa League or Champions League, even though they have never qualified for the latter.
The deal also leaves the possibility open for the Olympic Stadium to host American Football games, with the contract indicating space is available specifically for football, rugby and NFL goal posts.
West Ham will pay £15m as a one-off fee towards the conversion and the taxpayer will benefit from profit made by food and beverage sales as well as from the naming rights deal.
A London Legacy Development Corporation spokesman told SSNHQ that the venue is multi-purpose and not owned by West Ham, but their rent contributes towards the costs as does other revenues generated such as catering.
"We have lodged an appeal against the Information Commissioner's judgment," the spokesman said. "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 have now published more details of the agreement with West Ham United in all areas that fall outside the scope of our appeal."
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says West Ham are happy for the entire document to be disclosed, with the exception of the personal affairs of their shareholders.
She said: "During the negotiations, did I do the best deal I could for West Ham United? Of course I did, that's my job, but not at the expense of the taxpayer.
"I think what is very clear to anyone reading the agreement for the first time, is just how determined I was to protect the rights of West Ham United and our fans during the negotiations, while also ensuring it was fair to the taxpayer."
West Ham say the club will be investing a further estimated £7m ahead of their move next year to ensure the Olympic Stadium "looks and feels" like home.
