Premier Division Sheffield FC's status as the world's oldest football club is secure.

Their standing was in doubt after the Football Association appeared to acknowledge that Cambridge University AFC was formed in 1856 - a year before Sheffield.

But, FA historian David Barber said: "Sheffield FC is accepted worldwide as the oldest club."

The confusion arose because it was believed the FA accepted the Laws of the Game derived directly from those drawn up in Cambridge in 1856.

But, Sheffield chairman Richard Tims said: "I was a bit miffed about the wording in the report. The FA have fully backed our status - I was always confident they would."