Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has confirmed the club will not be able to move into their new stadium this year and will continue to play home games at Wembley, up to and including their Premier League clash with Wolves on December 29.
Spurs were originally due to start playing in the new 62,000-seater facility from September 15 but will play all eight of their remaining home games in the calendar year at Wembley, with the club to provide an update on their plans in early December.
In a lengthy club statement, Tottenham chairman Levy said: “There isn’t an hour that goes by when I am not asked when we will be able to stage our first game at our new home.
“I wish I was able to confirm an exact opening date and fixture. However, in light of factors completely outside of our control, contractors missing deadlines and possible future unforeseen issues, we are naturally being cautious in respect of our timetable for our test events and official opening game.
“Whilst we are conscious of the need to keep pressure on our contractors to deliver as soon as possible, we are also acutely aware of how difficult the lack of clarity is for you, our supporters, to plan around games, particularly those at Christmas and New Year.
“In light of the above, and taking into account the restricted availability of manpower over the festive period, we have taken the decision to confirm today that all home games will be played at Wembley Stadium up to and including the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 29 December.
“We know the continued delay is a source of immense disappointment to everyone and I can only continue to apologise for this – it is a sentiment felt by all of us.”
It was announced in August that Spurs made the decision to activate the clause based on construction delays and problems with the “critical safety systems” at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The construction company MACE highlighted safety concerns which has forced Premier League games, as well as an NFL game scheduled for October 14, to be moved to the national stadium.
But there remains no timeline on when the new venue will be ready – and existing and new season ticket holders will be credited 1/19th of the price paid for their 2018/19 Season Ticket for each fixture concerned.
The first home Premier League game in 2019 is against Manchester United on January 13.