The University of Manchester wins University Challenge.

05 Mar 2009

Team accepts judges' decision that Corpus Christi broke eligibility rule.

The University of Manchester has won University Challenge 2009, following an investigation into the eligibility of a competitor in this year's contest.

In a joint statement issued on Monday 2 March, the BBC and Granada concluded that the original winners, Corpus Christi College, Oxford, had unintentionally broken the rule that contestants must be registered at their university or college for the duration of recording of the series. This meant that their hard-fought title must now go to The University of Manchester team.

Corpus Christi College responded by stating that they had entered the contest in good faith and expressed their disappointment to be losing the title. The team member concerned, Sam Kay, said: "I hugely regret not confirming my change of status to the University Challenge programme makers before the final rounds. I had honestly believed I was eligible as I had indicated my course dates when I applied. I can only apologise to the other competitors and especially to my team as it was never my intention to mislead anyone."

The University of Manchester team captain, Matthew Yeo, said: "While we accept the decision of the University Challenge judges, we are saddened to have been awarded the trophy under such circumstances.

"As far as Simon, Henry, Reuben and I are concerned the final was a great experience and we believe Corpus Christi College were outstanding opponents."

This is the second University Challenge victory for The University of Manchester. The Manchester team scooped the title for 2006, after beating Trinity Hall, Cambridge, in one of the most nail-biting finals ever seen on the BBC.