FRESNO, California (KSEE/KGPE) – The City of Fresno says a move by Fresno Foxes outside of the city will not be due to a lack of trying on their part.

Thursday’s sharp statement comes just over a week after Fresno Foxes’ General Manager Frank Yallop said that “a lack of progress – and political support…have given us serious cause for concern” in their search for a permanent home in Fresno.

Rules set by the USL, or United Soccer League, stipulate that by 2020 all USL clubs have to be owners or primary tenants of soccer-specific stadiums. Fresno Football Club currently shares Chukchansi Park with the Fresno Grizzlies.

“My staff and I have met with the Fresno Foxes at least 11 times since January of last year to talk about possible stadium locations,” said Mayor Lee Brand.

“We’ve met with them on-site to look at the possibility of converting Selland Arena to soccer, using the Convention Center parking lot as a soccer stadium, building a stadium at Lot 1 behind Chukchansi Park, the City’s Regional Sports Complex and we also toured a variety of sites around Fresno.”

Area Councilmember Miguel Arias credits Mayor Brand’s efforts, describing his work as “above and beyond.”

“We continue to be open to discussions that result in a mutually beneficial agreement that keeps them here,” said Councilmember Miguel Arias.

For local, national, and breaking news, and to get weather alerts, download our FREE mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.