Tottenham ask Premier League to play first home match of next season at Wembley amid new stadium delays

TOTTENHAM have asked the Premier League to let them play their first four matches of next season away from their new stadium - including one at Wembley.

Spurs had hoped to be cleared to move into their new £750million ground being built in time to fit in with the new fixture list that is announced on Thursday.

They had always envisaged asking for their first three matches to be played away from home to give them breathing space for the stadium to be ready.

But further delays to the construction side almost on top of their old White Hart Lane home have now seen Spurs go back to the league with a new request.

They want the go ahead to play their first home game at Wembley before then playing their remaining 18 home fixtures in their luxury new venue.

Current Premier League rules forbid a side using more than one ground as a home pitch in a season unless they are given special written permission.

So Spurs have registered their plea, and now have to wait for a verdict before they can go ahead with any further planning.

That decision is taken by the three-strong Premier League board, headed by current chief Richard Scudamore.

The board meet once a month, and it is understood they are not scheduled to sit until later in June.

But with the new season fixtures about to be announced, there is a need for supporters of Tottenham and the clubs they are due to meet early on for a swift ruling to be made.

No.1 DESTINATION For our World Cup exclusives, gossip, action, video and fun

Given the way the Premier League has accommodated requests from other sides in the past in terms of delaying home matches, the initial request to play the first three away is unlikely to be contested.

It is not an ideal situation a side playing home games at two venues in a season, but the other alternative would be for four consecutive away games.