It’s now or never for Tottenham’s new stadium

RichaRd Scudamore was adamant that the Premier League would not stand in the way of Tottenham at their new stadium. his view was that there had not been a regeneration project this big in Tottenham’s part of London for decades and football could not be seen to deny it. There were, however, limits. There would come a time, Scudamore said, when the integrity of the competition had to take priority. Tottenham could move out of Wembley midseason, but not too late. at some point, they would have to wait until august. This is close to being reached. Equally, the idea that Tottenham may open their new stadium with a champions League ue quarter-final appears fanciful. UEFa are hardly likely to sanction an entirely new venue for such a game — even if it is the second leg. The timings are simply not right. The draw for the next stage of the champions League takes place a week today. Tottenham are then scheduled to play a domestic fixture at home on Sunday, april 7, against Brighton. The champions League quarter-final first legs are april 9 and 10. But it’s complicated. Tottenham’s next home game depends on Brighton v Millwall in an Fa cup quarter-final on March 17. if Brighton win, they will play an Fa cup semi-final on the weekend of april 6 instead of facing Tottenham. So UEFa would have responsibility for the grand re-opening of White hart Lane. No chance. But what if Tottenham are drawn away in Europe first? Then their quarter-final second leg would be april 16 or 17. By then, they could have played Brighton and huddersfield — scheduled for april 13 — at home. Yet when the draw is made they will not know the schedule. There are some big egos at UEFa. These are people who think they run the world. ‘hang on, we’ll tell you where we’re playing — we just need to see how Millwall get on first,’ is not, one imagines, a phrase they hear often. Tottenham’s employees are being told to expect to return home in april, and Wembley are on notice, too; but this will require test events and a degree of certainty in the planning that is not around at this stagest of the season. Everyone, from danield Levy (left)l down, is desperate de to go back. bac Yet this is no longer just about Tottenham’s Tottenham needs. This is about safety and integrity. huddersfield’s fate is unlikely to be affected by one match but Brighton’s fortunes change weekly. Nor can crystal Palace — who must also visit Tottenham — consider survival guaranteed. Scudamore took the decision on Tottenham away from his Premier League stakeholders but with a power vacuum at the top, they are likely to demand more of a say. if Tottenham have not got their plans straight before next weekend, it is hard to see how any of it can happen this season.