A probe by government into Wadham Lodge is the latest delay to beset Waltham Forest FC’s dream move home.

The site to which the Stags would return is the subject of an investigation by the Charity Commission.

It is in the process of checking the terms of a lease for the complex in Kitchener Road, club sources say.

It means that football firm Match Day Centres must wait to acquire the lease from Wadham Lodge Trust, which owns the site.

That puts on hold Forest FC's relocation to become the central plank in Match Day Centres' plan to make Wadham Lodge a hub for the local grass-roots game.

The Lodge is owned by the Trust for the benefit of residents.

Match Day Centres has invested heavily to make it fit for Ryman League football.

A club spokesman said: “The lease that the Trust propose to issue to Matchday Centres is currently with the Charity Commission.

“The Commission needs to be satisfied the lease satisfies their criteria.”

The process means Forest may be forced to stay at Cricklefields in Ilford until next season.