Stadium MK to host Tottenham-Watford EFL Cup tie

Tottenham have announced their EFL Cup tie with Watford will be hosted at Stadium MK due to the unavailability of Wembley and their new stadium, despite pressure from fans.

It was revealed straight after the draw on August 30 that Spurs had applied for special dispensation to hold the match at a neutral ground.

Spurs have hit delays with the major rebuilding project for their new stadium at White Hart Lane, and Wembley – their temporary home – is unavailable on the week commencing September 24.

It was acknowledged by Spurs that Milton Keynes, approximately 50 miles north-west of White Hart Lane, was not an “ideal destination” for supporters in a statement.

Stadium MK has also proved to be a divisive choice due to the controversial history of the club that plays there – League Two side MK Dons.

We can confirm that the EFL board has ratified our application to host our @Carabao_Cup Third Round fixture against Watford at Stadium MK.

The match is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 26 September (8pm).

Ticketing details shall follow in due course. pic.twitter.com/S9s9PzmGQT

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 6, 2018

Wimbledon, FA Cup winners in 1988, were moved to Milton Keynes from south London in September 2003, in what was an unprecedented move in English football history. 

Fans protested against the switch and formed a new club, AFC Wimbledon, who have risen through the non-league pyramid and now play in League One.

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust (THST) urged the club to consider that and threatened to boycott the match were it to be played in Milton Keynes.

But the club went ahead with their application and the English Football League ratified it on Thursday.

The match will take place at Stadium MK on Wednesday September 26.