Stadium delays could push Tottenham's debut until Feb. '18. GETTY IMAGES
Tottenham's move into its new stadium could be put back until '19, according to Harris & Miller of the London DAILY MAIL. Sources close to the construction said that problems with the safety systems "could hinder the project" for up to six months -- a "nightmare scenario" that could delay the club's move into February. Tottenham confirmed the move was "put back until the end of October," and even "private best-case scenarios" do not see the first competitive match before mid to late November. A source said, "The critical issues include [safety] systems. Some systems are incomplete or missing and nobody knows how long it is going to be." It is understood Tottenham was told that its fire detection contractor has "encountered higher than usual electrical wiring faults" and that the fire alarm systems and some other electronics are "way behind schedule." The source added, "Completion could run into next year, depending on what other issues crop up. A best guess is that this delay will be between three to six months." The club declined to speculate when it might play its first match a the new venue or say "who will bear the costs of the delays" (DAILY MAIL, 8/19).
