Wimbledon chairman Charles Koppel has stepped up his fight to move the First Division club to Milton Keynes.

The Football League rejected the switch on 16 August but Koppel says the verdict "unlawful" and is consulting with lawyers.

"We have now had the opportunity to consult our legal advisers regarding the merits of the decision and the process by which it was reached and have been advised that these were both deficient and unlawful," said Koppel in a statement.

"We have therefore written to the Football League explaining our reasons for contesting its decision and have requested that it reconsiders and consents to the move.

Traditional base

"We remain convinced that the move to Milton Keynes is the only possible way in which the club can survive and thrive."

It is thought that Koppel will claim the decision is a restraint of trade and therefore can be challenged in the courts.

But Football League chief executive David Burns was adamant the verdict must stand.

"If you allow a club to move away from their traditional base you would destroy what football is about," he said.