West Ham battle with UK Athletics over London Stadium use looming if Premier League season extends beyond June

West Ham believe they have priority on use of the London Stadium beyond June
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UK Athletics say no discussions have been held over their proposed use of the London Stadium this summer, amid suggestions West Ham will have priority over the venue if the Premier League season goes beyond the end of June.

West Ham insist they have first say on the stadium under the “overriding priority principle”, while the London Legacy Development Corporation have insisted it is too early to make any decision over the stadium’s ongoing use.

The parties look likely to be at loggerheads, with UKA chief Nic Coward telling The Times: “As far as we’re concerned athletics has priority and nobody has spoken to us about changes in the summer, including any plans for West Ham games.”

UKA confirmed on Monday morning that no talks had been held, while uncertainty remains over when any major sport will be returning to the London Stadium — whether that be football or athletics.

West Ham said in a statement: "As the primary concessionaire at London Stadium, our agreement with our landlords E20 has a clause known as the Overriding Priority Principle.

"The Overriding Priority Principle is an agreement that all of West Ham United’s competitive matches shall take precedence over any other activity, event or use of the Stadium on the dates that are notified to us by a governing body - in this case the Premier League.

"If the football season continues beyond May, our fixtures will go ahead as planned in the Stadium. E20 has confirmed it has an obligation not to schedule events during the football season which might impair the pitch.

"The football season is defined as ending on the date falling one day after the final competitive match we play in an event year.

"As yet, we have no confirmation of when postponed matches will be played but if and when they are rescheduled, they will be played at London Stadium, which is the home ground of West Ham United."

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