Headingley issue to rumble on

Dark clouds loom over Headingley © Reuters

The ongoing dispute over the ownership of Headingley is set to rumble on, as neither side is willing to admit responsibility for the breakdown in negotiations.

On Monday, Yorkshire released a statement in which they said at they were willing to talk. "The club confirms that it has not withdrawn from the negotiations, neither orally nor in writing." The statement said, "It has no choice at present but to regard the negotiations as at an end, but it wishes to make clear that they have been ended by Leeds CF&A unilaterally." Yorkshire stated that since they did not pull out, they would not have to pay a £500,000 fine. The statement went on to say that Yorkshire would like a further reduction in the asking price, which "might be less than the one which Leeds CF & A's commercial standpoint has produced but, if a deal could be done, the benefits for Yorkshire would be beyond measure and enduring."

But the current owner of Headingley responded swiftly, presenting their version of events. The Yorkshire Post reported that Leeds Cricket Football and Athletics has not withdrawn from the negotiations, and quoted them as saying: "Leeds CF&A has not withdrawn from the negotiations to settle the contracts," they said. "It remains ready, willing and able to finalise them. However, a price reduction - on top of the discount already given - is not an option. It is wrong of Yorkshire CCC to criticise Leeds CF&A for not being willing to reduce the price further."