Reading's Select Car Leasing Stadium given Asset of Community Value status
- Published
The Asset of Community Value status lasts for five years, before needing to be reapplied for
Reading's Select Car Leasing Stadium has been given Asset of Community Value (ACV) status by Reading Borough Council.
It comes after Supporters' Trust at Reading (STAR) applied for the ground to be protected earlier this year.
It means Dai Yongge, the League One club's owner, cannot sell the ground quickly and without warning.
A growing number of fans have voiced their concerns about the club's future amid ongoing financial difficulties.
"We are so grateful for the support of Reading Borough Council," Sarah Turner from STAR and the Sell Before We Dai pressure group said.
"The Sell Before We Dai campaign isn't just about pressuring our owner Dai Yongge to sell, but also protecting the long-term future of the football club.
"This includes ensuring our stadium remains the home of Reading FC, and not an economic asset for unfit and improper owners."
Reading have struggled to pay players, staff and tax bills on time over the past year and have been punished by the English Football League for failing to keep to a structured business plan.
A BBC Sport investigation during the summer revealed problems with getting money out of China and into the UK.
Sell Before We Dai has brought a halt to two of Reading's home games in League One this season, by throwing dozens of tennis balls on to the pitch in protest at the club's ownership.
Turner hopes the new ACV status will give confidence to anyone considering investing in the club.
"We have seen what's happened to other clubs in similar situations to ours when their stadium's future has not been secured.
"Being granted Asset of Community Value status offers us a glimmer of hope in what has been the most unsettling period for fans in 40 years.
"We hope today's announcement will help underline the attractiveness to any potential new owners as we continue to campaign for change at the club."
Reading owner Dai said last week that they were open to "credible offers of interest" to buy the financially troubled club.
ACVs are land or buildings where, in the opinion of the local authority, the actual current use furthers the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community.