Dulwich Hamlet have been told they must sign a new licencing agreement by 5pm today or will be locked out of Champion Hill ahead of their Bostik League fixture against Brightlingsea Regent tomorrow.
Property developers Meadow Residential, who own the ground, have threatened action after the licence expired. A Meadow spokesperson said: “Meadow recently became aware that DHFC's licence to play at the ground was out of date.
“This licence is required to comply with FA rules. We have therefore issued a proposed new licence, on the same terms as the old licence, so the Club can remain compliant with FA requirements and this needs to be signed before the next home game at the ground.”
However, the league leaders are reluctant to sign the new licence which they say contains fundamental changes, that they haven't had the time to consider. The club tweeted: “If it was exactly the same as the old one, we would sign it!”
We're working closely with the @IsthmianLeague to get this resolved as quickly as possible, however punishing the club and the fans for not getting their way won't win you many friends round here. @MayorofLondon @SadiqKhan @peterjohn6 #DHFC????????https://t.co/C2uRlB8LqH
— Dulwich Hamlet FC (@DulwichHamletFC) December 7, 2017
Last month, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan expressed ‘deep concerns' over the future of Dulwich after Meadow lost a legal battle with Southwark Council over redevelopment and as a result have withdrawn their funding of the club.
The Hamlet were able to pay their November wage bill in full from money they had raised themselves with no help from their fans or Meadow. This dismisses claims by the property developer that the club was losing £150,000 per year and thus unsustainable without its development plan.
We'd like to assure all our fans that we're working incredibly hard in extraordinarily hostile conditions to try and get tomorrow's game on. Your support as always has been amazing. #forwardtheHamlet #DHFC????????
— Dulwich Hamlet FC (@DulwichHamletFC) December 8, 2017
