Coventry speedway wrangle set for courts

[dutchman]

Coventry and Peterborough are on the verge of taking legal action against the British Speedway Association.



It looked as if an ongoing dispute between the parties, which resulted in both teams being ejected from the Elite League, was poised to be reconciled.

But at an extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday BSPA members voted against making rule changes that would have cleared the way for the clubs' return.

BSPA chairman Alex Harkess had advised members to vote for the changes.

A joint statement from the Bees and Panthers read: "As a result both Coventry and Peterborough have no alternative but to protect their position by issuing court proceedings against the BSPA as soon as possible, which is likely to include an application for an injunction to address issues arising from the 2010 AGM."

Neither club is able to comment on exactly what the injunction would entail, but it could involve trying to prevent the 2011 Elite League season from commencing.

The nature of the rule changes demanded by the two teams is also unclear.

But Coventry and Peterborough felt motions at November's annual general meeting hindered both clubs and they wanted the matter rectified.

This resulted in them walking out of the meeting and failing to be re-elected into the 2011 roster.

Peterborough are two-time Elite League winners while Coventry are the reigning champions.