Trust spokesman Jonathon Monaghan said it believed the Shay Stadium Trust was not sustainable and faced liquidation.

The reasons for that were that Calderdale Council was no longer able to provide a community grant to SST - viewing it as unviable in the long term - and FC Halifax Town's request for a reduced rent for using the stadium.

"The HTST fully understands the predicament SST finds itself in and agrees that the best option at this time is to allow the lease to revert to Calderdale Council," said Mr Monaghan.

"Not agreeing to this request risks SST being forced into liquidation, which may mean that the lease is sold to the highest bidder.

"The HTST also believes that it is in the best interests of the long-term security of the stadium if it were to remain independently managed, rather than allowing one or both of the two professional clubs to take overall control.

"This should prevent any third party company taking a financial interest in either club purely to have an influence on the Shay estate."

Mr Monaghan said it was disappointing the transfer of the lease would end the not-for-profit management company that supporters of both professional clubs were heavily involved in forming.

But the SST had fulfilled its remit and brought the stadium to a position where it was able to be progressed by the council.

"We look forward now to the council taking the stadium forward and giving us a facility we can be proud of and which provides the facilities to enable our sporting clubs to move positively forward," said Mr Monaghan.