There are now just two weeks until the EFL clubs gather at a Special General Meeting to decide the fate of Coventry City Football Club on 29th May, with either Expulsion from the League or Exile to a groundshare outside the City being possibilities.
Three weeks ago it was announced that the football club were in discussions with Wasps Rugby Club to arrange continuation of playing arrangements at the Ricoh Arena. The hope of a successful outcome has now been called into doubt by a report from Simon Gilbert of the BBC, formerly of the Coventry Telegraph.
Simon tweeted that sources had informed him that the owners of Coventry City, Sisu Capital, have taken the Ricoh Arena legal battle to the European Commission. He subsequently confirmed that this information came from multiple sources.
The detail of what is happening is very sketchy and it is therefore unclear what implications this development will have on the Sky Blues playing at the Ricoh Arena. It is therefore difficult to express an opinion except to say that this occurrence cannot be helpful in resolving Coventry City’s situation.
The delay in sorting out a venue for home matches next season and beyond is damaging our football club. There are a number of issues which stem from this continuing uncertainty:
- Cash flow has been delayed and may be reduced because the club has been unable to release Season Tickets for the next campaign.
- Financial planning will be very difficult until this situation becomes clear.
- Recruitment and retention of players may be affected by the current lack of a stadium in which to play and the financial doubt.
- The patience of the EFL is probably being severely tested by this matter dragging on past the end of the season, after they permitted an extra 5 weeks to conclude a deal at the Ricoh.
- Dave Boddy, Coventry City CEO stated 3 weeks ago that an alternative groundshare outside the City was at risk if the matter was not sorted quickly.
- The whole situation continues to cause stress to Sky Blues’ supporters and the whole Sky Blues Community.
We can only hope that this latest news does not represent the final nail in the coffin for Coventry City’s tenure at the Ricoh Arena.
PUSB
David Johnson
Spokesperson
The Jimmy Hill Way Campaign