The government is facing a higher than usual legal bill because of the 'oppressive litigation' it used in a failed attempt to hold Hong Kong Stadium's former management firm liable for a defective pitch.
Mr Justice William Stone yesterday stopped short of awarding Wembley International (HK) and its parent company, Wembley Plc, indemnity costs but instead granted the management firm costs on a common fund basis.
No specific amount was disclosed but there are different levels by which costs are awarded.
Indemnity costs is the most punitive punishment, involving the payment of the entire legal bill. Common fund is less severe, and costs on a party-to-party basis is the usual level that a court awards.
In March, Mr Justice Stone absolved Wembley of any wrongdoing and instead criticised the government's tactics in mounting the breach of contract case.
At the time, he said: 'This has not been attractive litigation. The case as mounted by the government sought to level every possible allegation which could be identified against the former manager of the stadium.