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The ruling authority in English football has expressed its concern at the Sky Blues situation - but admitted it is not prepared to intervene.

The Football Association has today said it will not help to rectify the long-running saga which has seen Coventry City removed from its community to play ‘‘home’’ fixtures 35 miles away in Northampton.

The FA’s response comes despite no obvious signs of when, or if, the club will return.

After repeated requests for information, the FA finally responded to the Telegraph on Friday - the anniversary of when club staff started to pack up and leave the Ricoh Arena.

The organisation was asked if it would intervene in the situation at Coventry City as the club is a member of the FA.

Despite the FA’s membership committee recently meeting to advise against a name change for Premier League Hull City, it seems unwilling to become involved in an issue further down the football pyramid.

It cited that the Football League - of which Coventry City is also a member - is largely self-governing.

A spokesman for the FA said: “This is a matter for The Football League who have regulations concerning relocations and ground sharing as well as concerning the finances of clubs within their jurisdiction.

“The current situation of the club is of concern and this includes the fall in attendances.

“We recognise the importance of clubs playing in their communities.”

The news will add to the frustration of Sky Blues fans who were hoping the sport’s top governing body would intervene after MPs stepped up pressure on the football authorities in Westminster this week.

MP Damian Collins was joined by Coventry South MP Jim Cunningham during a debate in Westminster Hall in which he referred to Coventry City as the ‘most stark’ example that current football regulations were not working.

Mr Collins has submitted a private members bill which threatens to shake up the way football is governed if the authorities do not address key issues themselves.

The Telegraph recently revealed the Football League has demanded an update from the club to demonstrate progress on agreements made at the start of this season which allowed the club to compete.

Those included demonstrating clear plans to return to Coventry and paying off £590,000 owed to Ricoh Arena operators ACL.