New stadium delay: York City blames ‘fundamental issues’ with legal agreements

York City will not now play their next home game at the new stadium.

After the LNER Community Stadium complex opened last month it was anticipated that the first competitive match there would be City’s game against AFC Fylde on 12 January.

But that will now not be the case.

A statement by the York City FC board said: “Whilst this is frustrating and disappointing, especially now that the stadium has been completed, there are some fundamental current issues which are proposed amendments to the original conditions of the Lease and Match Day Agreement and therefore need to be resolved with certain parties.

“We are working hard to bring these matters to an acceptable conclusion and ensure commitments are met, so that the club’s long-term sustainable occupation of the new stadium is not adversely affected.

“We sincerely hope that supporters will appreciate the importance of these discussions and thank them for their patience.”

The club said when these issues are resolved “to the satisfaction of the club”, they will inform supporters.

After the game against Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday was called off due to a frozen pitch, it looked like City’s final game at Bootham Crescent had passed unremarked, when the Minstermen beat Guisely 1-0 on 28 December.

Now though, City will have at least one more fixture at the ground which has been home since 1932.