The North Stand of Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough ground has been closed by the city council because of concerns around its structural integrity.
The BBC reported earlier this month that the Championship club had been told to carry out repairs after “extensive corrosion” was found in the roof of the stand.
In a statement, Sheffield City Council said assurances on this had not been provided and it had therefore placed a prohibition notice on the stand, preventing supporters from using it.
Wednesday’s first home game of the new season is against Stoke City on Saturday 16 August.
“We are regrettably in a position where we must issue a notice prohibiting spectators in the North Stand until we can be absolutely assured that the required work has been undertaken to the satisfaction of the council as certifying authority,” said councillor Joe Otten, chair of the environmental services and regulation policy committee at Sheffield City Council.
“We have done this immediately, following an assessment by engineering specialists who can no longer confirm that the North Stand is safe for spectator use.
“We recognise that this is a very difficult situation, and we will continue working closely with the club and provide support and guidance where we can.
“We as much as anyone want to see the fans enjoying football at Sheffield Wednesday next season.”
This is the latest issue to hit the club in a tumultuous summer.
The club have been placed under numerous embargoes because of financial issues, including wages being paid late in both May and June, and manager Danny Rohl left by mutual consent on Tuesday.