Wembley chiefs insist the £757 million stadium is still on track despite another twist to the saga but officials have conceded there is no room for further delays.
The latest issue concerns a dispute over the main pedestrian walkway to the stadium but Wembley officials say work began on that part of the project yesterday and will be finished in 13 weeks' time.
That would only just make it in time for the March 31 handover by builders Multiplex - any delay beyond that would mean the FA Cup final on May 13 would have to be played in Cardiff. A Wembley spokesman said: "Multiplex are still reassuring us that it is on track for handover on March 31 and it's our aim to open the stadium with the FA Cup final on May 13."
The problem with the walkway arose due to a dispute between Multiplex and landowners Quintain Estates. Multiplex admitted there was "material risk" they would not complete the construction in time.
The original contract was for Multiplex to hand over on January 31, but that has already been rescheduled.
