Villa Park withdrawn from Olympics plans

Villa Park has been withdrawn as a venue for the 2012 Olympic football tournament.

Aston Villa have decided instead to press ahead with plans for major construction work.

A statement from LOCOG, the London 2012 organising committee, said: “It has been agreed with Aston Villa that because they are unable to make firm commitments to the project, the best course of action is for Villa Park to be withdrawn as an Olympic venue.”

The Birmingham stadium was one of five venues outside London which were allocated matches in the premliminary rounds.

LOCOG will seek a replacement to join Hampden Park, the Millenium Stadium, Old Trafford and St James’s Park.