Luton Town’s Premier League home opener against Burnley postponed over stadium works
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Luton’s ground is undergoing improvements ahead of their return to the top flight, which include the construction of a new stand.
PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON – Promoted Luton Town’s
Luton’s ground, Kenilworth Road, is undergoing improvements ahead of their return to the top division after a 31-year absence, which include the construction of a new stand.
The ongoing work is progressing ahead of schedule but the club could not give the Premier League guarantees that any unforeseen issues would not cause a potential delay impacting upon their home opener on Aug 19.
“Together with the Premier League and Burnley FC, all parties felt this was a sensible outcome which gives supporters of both teams sufficient time to... make arrangements for travel for the new date,” Luton said in a statement.
The new date of the fixture will be confirmed later.
“The joint decision to delay this fixture is regrettable, especially given the amazing progress that continues to be made on our construction works,” said Luton Town chief executive officer Gary Sweet.
The Daily Mail reported that Burnley refused Luton’s request to switch their opener to Turf Moor instead.
The postponement means that, should the Hatters not be drawn at home in the second round of the League Cup, their first home match of the new campaign will be the visit of West Ham on Sept 1.
Luton will play in the Premier League for the first time after beating Coventry City 6-5 on penalties in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May.
Meanwhile, runners-up Arsenal boosted their hopes of challenging champions Manchester City next season with the acquisition of two top players.
West Ham announced on Saturday the departure of England midfielder Declan Rice for £105 million (S$181.6 million). The 24-year-old guided the east London side to the Europa Conference League title and a 14th-place finish in the league.
The Gunners had on Friday signed Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber on a long-term contract from Ajax Amsterdam.
Arsenal did not specify the length of the contract, with the British media reporting the 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal.
“Ajax and the English club agreed on a €40 million (S$59.4 million) transfer fee. That amount can increase to €45 million through variables,” Ajax said in a statement.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta added via a statement: “He is a versatile young defender, who will fit into our system and provide our squad with so much added quality.”
Timber had looked set to move to Manchester United last season but the plan collapsed.
United and Barcelona were among the clubs fined by Uefa on Friday for breaches of financial fair play (FFP) regulations during the 2022/23 season.
United were fined €300,000 euros for failing to meet the break-even requirement that attempts to limit the losses made by clubs.
Barca were hit with a €500,000 sanction for including profits from sales of intangible assets, which are not relevant income under the regulations, to balance their books.
Separately, forward Harry Kane has been included in Tottenham Hotspur’s squad for their pre-season Asia-Pacific tour that includes Singapore, but club captain Hugo Lloris has been left out as the France goalkeeper seeks to complete a move.
The 29-year-old England captain is in the final year of his contract and is said to have attracted interest from Bayern Munich amid reports their latest £70 million bid was rejected by Spurs. REUTERS, AFP
