Contractor advises client Wembley National Stadium Limited that it believes it has until the end of September to complete work on the stadium.

Wembley contractor Multiplex has formally advised client Wembley National Stadium Limited that it believes it is entitled to the end of September to complete work on the troubled stadium.

In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange issued today, Multiplex said it had formally advised WNSL that it was entitled to "substantial and legitimate extensions of time" on the contract, effectively putting the client on notice of a legal dispute. Multiplex said today that it was targeting "substantial completion" of the stadium by 13 July, but did not anticipate finishing commissioning and clear-up works until September.

Multiplex said that it was due to complete the laying of turf in the stadium in June, as well as the roof cladding. However, it said that the actual date for opening the stadium would depend on the timing of critical works and activities that fell under the responsibility of WNSL.

In a Radio 5 Live interview this morning, WNSL chairman Michael Cunnah refused to confirm that the stadium would even be complete in time to host next season's FA Cup Final. Cunnah said: "For us, the most important thing is not to hit a particular date. The important thing for us is that the stadium is built to the right quality and for the price that we can afford."