“No deal” leaves Coventry City without home ground

Talks have fallen through between Coventry City and landlords Wasps, putting the future of the team in jeopardy.

The Sky Blues say they intend to leave Ricoh Arena at the end of the season, but in a statement on their website they said they are “close” to the Head of Terms stage with two groundshare options.

League One club City have yet to satisfy the English Football League Board over next season’s plans, after being unable to agree a new deal with landlords Wasps.

The team said on their website that “While it remains our number one priority to stay, we can confirm that unfortunately the Ricoh Arena is not one of the venues above. At this stage, Wasps continue to choose not to enter into talks with the Football Club while our Owners SISU continue legal action with Coventry City Council.”

Expulsion from the league is still possible according to the BBC, with an extraordinary general meeting being called on 25 April.

A statement issued by the EFL on Thursday said: “The EFL board is still to receive a definitive application from Coventry City in respect to where the club plans to stage its home matches in the 2019-20 season.

“The club continues to work with a number of relevant parties, as they attempt to seek a solution that satisfies the EFL.

“An EGM of clubs has been convened to consider their expulsion from the league on 25 April if they are unable to satisfy the EFL board.

“The EFL understands that it is the club’s preference to extend their stay at the Ricoh Arena for future seasons and this would meet the EFL’s ultimate objective of ensuring they continue to play in the city of Coventry on a long-term basis. ”

The club statement added: “At this stage, Wasps continue to choose not to enter into talks with the football club, while our owners Sisu continue legal action with Coventry City Council.
“Regrettably, we therefore have had to make alternative plans to the Ricoh Arena, the stadium that was built for us, to ensure our place in the EFL next season.

“It is not an easy situation, and we apologise to supporters that it has reached this stage and for the heartache which has been caused.

“Coventry City FC and its management team cannot affect the stances of Coventry City Council, Wasps or of our owners in this situation.

“What we can do is put in plans to ensure this football club continues to survive despite the impasse that exists.”