The city council and football club are involved in the plans

The �113m Arena project is due to be finished in time for Coventry City Football Club to move to the ground at the start of the next season in 2005.

There will also be concerts, dining and conference facilities at the venue.

John McGuigan, the scheme's director, says he is "exasperated" by the news as only 2,000 parking spaces are planned.

Government pressure

He said: "The railway station has been a fundamental part of the scheme.

"All the rail authorities have been involved in the planning process.

"We've got the money to pay for it. Everyone agrees it makes sense because we're creating 6,000 new jobs in and around the area.

"But the railway looks like it will make little or no contribution to commuter traffic unless we can get the government to put pressure on the Strategic Rail Authority to change their view."

We don't think it's a justifiable use of taxpayers' money Jonty Alone, Strategic Rail Authority

The stadium project is a joint venture between the city council, the football club and other businesses.

A spokesman for the SRA, Jonty Alone, said figures on the expected number of passengers do not support investing in a new station.

He said: "The council employed consultants to draw up an appraisal in terms of transport and where the demand would be and we were asked to respond.

"It (the station) would need revenue support from a third party. That would be us and we don't think it's a justifiable use of taxpayers' money.

"The city council is at liberty to explore other avenues of support but we cannot support the scheme financially."