Up to 23 people and organisations could face charges for their role in the Hillsborough disaster after they were passed over to the Crown Prosecution Service.
The decision comes after a four-year investigation into the unlawful killing of 96 Liverpool fans at the 1989 tragedy were concluded by two police regulatory bodies.
Rulings on whether action will be brought is expected to be revealed by June at the latest following the joint probe by the Independent Police Complaints Commission and Operation Resolve.
Sue Hemming, Head of CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “Having received files from both Hillsborough investigations, we will now assess these in order to determine whether we have sufficient material on which to make charging decisions.
“Charging decisions will be based on the tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.”
Former police chief David Duckenfield was match commander on April 15 and found responsible of manslaughter by gross negligence by an inquest panel into the disaster last year.
The IPCC’s investigation into the conduct of the South Yorkshire and West Midlands Police forces during and in the wake of Hillsborough saw eight suspects identified.
A further 15 emerged from the findings of Operation Resolve, a body set up to examine the causes and culpability behind the tragedy 28 years ago in Sheffield.
Several former suspects identified are unable to be prosecuted due to dying prior to the start of the respective probes into the disaster.
Elkan Abrahamson, who represents the family of 20 Hillsborough victims, said: “Our clients are relieved that files have finally gone to the CPS to consider criminal proceedings against 23 individuals and organisations.
“Given that the CPS have been working in tandem with the police and the IPCC for many years, we believe decisions should now be taken without further delay.
“We will continue to scrutinise the process and any decisions.”