Feyenoord stadium development hits roadblock

Plans for a new stadium for Dutch football club Feyenoord have had doubt cast over them after members of the D66 party who sit on Rotterdam's city council said they would not back the project.

The proposed stadium would cost an estimated €400m (@346.3m, US$514.5) and the council is being asked to guarantee €165m (£142.8m, US$212.2m) with an additional €35m invested by the council into the land - as well as a further €36m (£31.1m, US$46m) into local infrastructure improvements.

The left-leaning D66 party forms part of the ruling coalition in Rotterdam and its decision means that it is highly doubtful the city council will be able to muster a majority vote for the €165m guarantee necessary to ensure the development.

The party has raised concerns that the plans are too risky, with not enough benefit to the city in terms of economy, sport and jobs.