Sadiq Khan has ‘deep concerns’ over the future of Dulwich Hamlet after doomed Rio Ferdinand rescue attempt

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has re-iterated his “deep concerns” about the future of Dulwich Hamlet FC after American owners Meadow refused to sell the ground to former England captain Rio Ferdinand, as revealed by The Independent.

Ferdinand made a £10million bid to save the club in December which Meadow have rejected, as they continue to deny the club the money it needs to survive.

Southwark Council leader Peter John said it was a “huge shame” that Meadow did not sell to Ferdinand’s Legacy Foundation and he urged them again this afternoon to “walk away” and leave the club in safe hands. Dulwich are likely to be forced to leave their historic home next season unless there is a change in ownership.

Khan said on Friday afternoon how he worried he was by the uncertain future of the Bostik Premier Division side. “I am deeply concerned that the issues facing Dulwich Hamlet remain unresolved,” Khan said, “and it can’t be right that its long-term future still hangs in the balance.”

With no obvious solution under the current owners, the Mayor called again for Meadow to find a “swift arrangement”, whatever that entails. “I support any plans that not only protects a hugely valued community football club like Dulwich Hamlet, but also commits to delivering the affordable homes Londoners so desperately need,” he said.

“I urge the current owners to come to a swift arrangement and do what’s best in the long-term interests of both the local community and Dulwich Hamlet.”

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Southwark Council leader Peter John has been at the forefront of the dispute with Meadow over Dulwich’s future, in which Southwark refused to support Meadow’s planning application last autumn, eventually leading to its withdrawal in October. He made a half-time speech at a Dulwich home game in December, and was even been subject to threats of libel action from Meadow over comments he made on Twitter.

John this afternoon re-iterated his call for Meadow to sell Champion Hill and leave the club to someone with its best interests at heart, and acknowledged his support for Ferdinand’s Legacy bid. Southwark are now talking to Dulwich about finding a potential home for them for next season.

“This ongoing saga with Meadow is really frustrating and upsetting for the thousands of supporters of Dulwich Hamlet FC, and every day that goes past without a resolution further jeopardises the future of the club,” John said.

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“The council is in constant contact with them and we are exploring all options to help them out of their current predicament, including seeking alternative sites for them to use while the issues in Dulwich are resolved.”

John said what everyone at the club believes: that there is no potential future working with Meadow and that they should sell the ground to someone who can provide one.

“It’s a huge shame that Meadow have refused to work with both the Council, and Rio Ferdinand’s Legacy, and I repeat my call to Meadow to walk away from DHFC and allow someone who cares about football to step in and make a success of this hugely popular club.”