World's Oldest Rulebook Auctioned For £881,250

Evo-Stik League First Division South side Sheffield FC have sold the world's oldest football rulebook at auction for £881,250.

The handwritten pamphlet from 1857 is believed to be one of the earliest instructions on the sport and was sold as part of an archive of the club.

It was sold to an anonymous bidder at auctioneer Sotheby's of London, which described it as an important historical artefact.

The archive also included other historical items, such as early match reports and the first printed version of the rules, which date back to 1859.

'Club' made the difficult decision to sell the artefacts as part of a long term strategy to develop the football club and their home ground in Dronfield.

Speaking to the Sheffield Star, club chairman Richard Tims said: “We are delighted with the sale of this extraordinary piece of sporting history, the proceeds of which will allow Sheffield Football Club to develop its facilities and secure its future as the home of grassroots football.”

Sheffield FC begin their Evo-Stik League First Division South campaign at home to Sutton Coldfield Town on Saturday August 13th.