David Duckenfield, the match commander the day 96 Liverpool fans died at Hillsborough in 1989, is set to stand trial for manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 of those deaths.
Judge Sir Peter Openshaw lifted the stay on his prosecution with the 73-year-old's trial currently set to start on September the 10th of this year.
An order preventing the former South Yorkshire police chief superintendent being tried was imposed 18 years ago.
As per the law in 1989, there can be no prosecution for the death of the 96th victim, Tony Bland, as he died more than a year and a day after his injuries were caused.
In his ruling on Friday, the judge said: "In respect of the defendant David Duckenfield I lift the stay. I confirm that I grant the voluntary bill of indictment to allow prosecution against for manslaughter to proceed. I decline to order a stay on that charge."
Graham Mackrell, the former secretary of Sheffield Wednesday football club, which has Hillsborough as its home ground, will also face two criminal charges for alleged breaches of safety legislation and his duties as the club’s safety officer.
Former Sheffield Wednesday Football Club's secretary Graham Mackrell, will also face prosecution over two allegations, one involving the stadium safety certificate and the other an alleged health and safety offence. Mackrell will stand trial alongside Duckenfield.
The Hon. Mr Justice Openshaw also ruled that three other defendants will stand trial relating to the Hillsborough disaster; Donald Denton, 80, Alan Foster, 71 & Peter Metcalf, 68.
They are each charged with two charges of doing acts tending and intended to pervert the course of justice relating to alleged amendments made to police officers' statements following the tragedy and are expected to go on trial in January.
