As expected, Swansea City FC's bid to lease its Liberty Stadium home has been backed by the council cabinet. This paves way for expansion and upgrades.

Yesterday the Swansea City Council cabinet agreed to approve a 37-year lease of Liberty Stadium. The Swans will pay Swansea council £300,000 a year, give it a cut of stadium naming rights revenue and build 3G pitches in the city – two every 5 years.

Both Swansea and the Ospreys rugby region have played at the £27m venue since 2005, paying a nominal rent to the management company running it. Now Ospreys are still assured their right to play but the venue will be managed by the Premier League co-tenants.

Swansea council's cabinet rubber-stamped the deal on Thursday but will retain ownership of the ground.

Photo: Matt Daubney (cc: by-nc-sa)