Mr Milburn is writing to the FA in an attempt to resolve the dispute

Darlington-based company, Cleveland Bridge UK, has issued legal proceedings against main contractor Multiplex and announced a possible 95 job cuts.

Mr Milburn is writing to the FA to voice his concerns the stadium's opening could be delayed.

But Multiplex says on-site production has not been delayed and the stadium will open on schedule.

Cleveland Bridge UK, which supplied the stadium's �60m steel arch, said the proceedings are for alleged breach of contract and claims Multiplex owes it money.

The company also said it may have to cut 95 jobs after announcing it had stopped all work on the contract.

I will be writing to the FA, urging them to step in and knock heads together to ensure that the companies get back to the negotiating table. Alan Milburn MP

Mr Milburn said the dispute needs to be resolved as soon as possible:

He said: "This is not just about jobs in Darlington, important though that is. It is also about a very real threat to the cost and opening date of the stadium, according to Cleveland Bridge UK.

"I will be writing to the FA, urging them to step in and knock heads together to ensure that the companies get back to the negotiating table so we can get the situation resolved."

Multiplex has denied that work on the new stadium has been affected by the dispute.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Multiplex confirms there is a considerable amount of steel stored at the site so there will be no delay in on-site production. Nor will there be any impact upon the opening date of the stadium, which remains as scheduled.

"Claims that the steel work costs will increase as a result of Cleveland Bridge UK not working on the project are also incorrect."