The 'oppressive litigation' used by the government in its failed attempt to hold Hong Kong Stadium's former management firm liable for a defective pitch should result in it footing the entire legal bill, the Court of First Instance heard yesterday.
The submission came as Wembley International (HK) and its parent company, Wembley Plc, argued for indemnity costs over the breach of contract claim.
Last March, Mr Justice William Stone absolved Wembley of any wrongdoing and instead criticised the government's tactics.
At the time, he said: 'This has not been attractive litigation. The case mounted by the government sought to level every possible allegation ... against the former manager of the stadium.
Wembley signed a 10-year agreement to manage the $850 million stadium in March 1994 but the deal was terminated in May 1998.
The government had sought unspecified damages, alleging Wembley had mismanaged the stadium and pitch. Instead, the judge allowed Wembley's counterclaim for wrongful termination of contract. Mr Justice Stone adjourned his ruling.