Furious Leicester officials have branded the FA’s choice to overlook their campaign in favour of Nottingham’s city bid an “absurd” decision.

The Leicester team reacted with disbelief after four of the successful stadiums chosen have yet to be built whilst the Walkers stadium is in place and only a small extension away from hosting matches. In particular, Nottingham’s planned 45,000 seater stadium in Gamston has been met with local opposition from residents whilst dividing politicians and planning officers.

The decision seems even stranger when Lord Mawhinney’s opening statement to the host cities announcement was that the winning choices were made on the basis that they were of the “lowest risk to the FA”.

Councillor Ross Willmott, leader of Leicester City Council, said: “I do not know how they can call it low risk because Nottingham is high risk by any chalk. I wish them all the best, but it seems to contradict what the selection panel said. The whole process has been very secretive so it is hard to understand. On the face of it, it is absurd and we will look to find out where we failed.”

Martin Traynor, managing director of Leicestershire Chamber, said: “I am hugely disappointed and very surprised that Nottingham is on the list considering their new ground is extremely unlikely to get planning permission.”