West Ham have come under increased pressure to vacate the London Stadium for the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe recently outlined his plans for the London Stadium to bid for the event.
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson then mocked West Ham by saying that Team GB would win more medals than the Hammers ever have.
Former British sprinter and current Chelsea academy coach Adam Gemili has now backed Hodgkinson in the debate.
DISCUSS: The London Stadium could host the 2029 World Athletics Championships 🏅
West Ham would have to play away games for THREE WEEKS! ⚽
General view before the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Liverpool FC
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
British Olympian Adam Gemili backs Keely Hodgkinson in London Stadium row
West Ham have faced backlash from the athletics sphere over their refusal to accommodate the World Athletics Championships.
As the event takes place in September, the Hammers would be required to vacate the London Stadium during the 2029/30 season.
This would likely force them to play away games for three consecutive weeks, which they are currently unwilling to do.
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After Hodgkinson made her feelings clear about wanting West Ham to make way for the athletics, Gemili has offered his support.
The 2017 4x100m relay world champion told the Daily Star: “These athletes are the ones that can do it, they have the following.”
“I am so glad that someone of [Hodgkinson’s] level is not scared to not toe the line, not just sit on the fence, and she’s put something out there. Good on her.
Good idea or is all hope for an atmosphere lost anyway?
A graphic asking West Ham fans if: Will replacing the "wall" between home and away fans with a clear plastic barrier make a difference?
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC
“I would love to see athletics back in London, I think so many people would. Back in that Olympic Stadium, it would inspire so many new athletes.
“That is why Keely is one of the GOATs; she is a great human on and off the track. She is a great athlete, a great role model, and she is someone that will always have my support.”
Gemili and co will hope that West Ham can be convinced to change their minds, despite a contractual agreement that football is the priority.
While it would be frustrating, allowing the London Stadium to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world does seem reasonable.
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