STEFAN Rupp’s hopes of buying back Valley Parade have hit an unexpected legal stumbling block.

The City owner has expressed his determination to regain the club’s home – which they sold to former chairman Gordon Gibb’s Flamingo Land Pension Scheme in 2002.

The Bantams pay around £500,000 in rent each year rising annually in the current lease. That runs out in 2028, although a 25-year extension is on the table.

Gibb flew with chief executive Ryan Sparks and chief commercial officer Davide Longo to Germany last week to meet Rupp and it is understood that the talks progressed well.

But any attempt to purchase the stadium would be delayed for six months because it has been listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

The Bradford City Supporters’ Trust, which is chaired by Manny Dominguez, applied for the ACV status in March as their way of safeguarding football continuing to be played at the ground.

The reasoning was to give the fans an “undeniable voice” in the future of the stadium and prevent Gibb from selling it without their knowledge.

As part of the ACV agreement, any attempt to sell the stadium or grant a 25-year lease cannot happen without giving local community groups six months to put a bid together.

The listing lasts for five years – so should Rupp and Gibb strike a deal within that period, it would have to be put on hold until the necessary time has passed.

It is understood the club have been informed of this by Bradford Council – which is sure to frustrate Rupp after the positive discussions in Munich.

The owner revealed his plan for Valley Parade before attending the recent fans forum for the first time.

He said: “Valley Parade is the spiritual home of the Bantams and it’s also part of the future strategy that we have for the club itself to own it and be much more flexible in different areas.

“There is a strong intention to buy it and the funds are there. I think the owner is willing to sell it.

“If you look at other football clubs, most of them own their own stadium and training ground.

“For me, it’s important that we are able to unite what has to be united. This is the next big project.”

City have been approached for a comment.