EFL vote cancelled as Coventry City announces groundshare deal

Coventry City say they have a “groundshare venue and agreement in place” for next season if they are unable to stay at the Ricoh Arena.

A planned vote of English Football League clubs regarding Coventry’s place in the league has now been cancelled.

Coventry, owners Sisu and rugby union club Wasps – who own the Ricoh – are in talks over the club staying at the ground, which is Coventry’s preferred option, but their ongoing legal case is hampering negotiations.

The club said: “We can confirm that talks with the aim to achieve a deal to play at the Ricoh Arena are continuing between Coventry City Football Club, its owners SISU and Wasps Holdings.

“Our focus and desire is to agree a deal at the Ricoh Arena – this is everyone’s preferred option, and the right option for Coventry City. While the backup of a groundshare exists to ensure the future of the football club continues, another groundshare is not something anyone wants to happen.”

Coventry said details of the agreed groundshare and of its ongoing discussions with Wasps Holdings remain confidential due to mutually signed confidentiality agreements.

It added: “We understand the frustration that fans are feeling, and have expressed to us, at not knowing where their club will be playing next season, not being able to plan for next season and supporting Mark Robins and the team, and the time that this is taking.

“We will provide a further update to supporters as soon as we are able to.”

Earlier this month, City’s owners complained to the European Commission about the sale of the stadium to Wasps in 2014 – with Coventry later saying the complaint is only against Coventry City Council and does not involve Wasps.

Sisu claim the Ricoh was undervalued by £28m, and is asking the Commission to see if the deal breaks state-aid rules.