Client claims further Wembley delays

The client of the new Wembley stadium claimed has claimed the stadium would not be complete until the end of the year. Contractor Multiplex is working on finishing the job by September after missing two deadlines this year.

In a statement Wembley National Stadium Limited chief executive Michael Cunnah said: "At the current rate of progress, particularly in light of the extensive testing and commissioning regime that will be required, this (the completion) is not likely to be achieved until later in the year."

Cunnah pointed to outstanding work such as the incomplete roof, extensive remedial works to the stadium's drainage network and installation of 10,000 of the 90,000 seats. "It has always been our view that the stadium's delays are Multiplex's responsibility."

Cunnah added that his firm was keen to open the new stadium. He said: "We can only begin this final stage when Multiplex has sufficiently finished its works. At that point we will be able to enter the stadium to start the handover process, begin our final training and carry out limited works which include the installation of radio communications systems, mobile cash machines and national flags. These items will be completed at the same time as we prepare for the test events which will precede our first full capacity event.”