Dons' Neal Ardley: His club could yet go to Milton Keynes (ChrisLobina/Allsport)

Dons chairman Charles Koppel took the case to arbitration following the League's rejection, claiming that a move to the Buckinghamshire town is 'the only viable option' for the club, who currently share Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace.

The three-man FA panel ordering the re-examination of his plans consisted of Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, York chairman Douglas Craig and independent lawyer Charles Hollander QC.

Their verdict does not amount to a 'yes' to the move, but means that the proposal will be re-assessed.

League chief executive David Burns said: 'We now need to analyse a very detailed judgment and, in conjunction with our solicitors and those of Wimbledon FC, consider the most appropriate next course of action.'

Koppel has rejected calls from the Wimbledon Independent Supporters' Association and Merton Council to move Wimbledon back to their former Plough Lane home, which they left in 1991.

WISA believe that the panel's verdict represents a defeat for Koppel, saying he had been hoping for - and failed to get - a clear 'yes' verdict on Milton Keynes.

Chairman Kris Stewart said: 'I think it's a win for us. The panel haven't fallen for Koppel's nonsense.

'I would have been a lot happier with a very clear 'no' - but there is absolutely no way Koppel can get this through now.

'We have every faith in the Football League to reject the move once and for all, and if Koppel had any sense he would end this pointless exercise now.

'He has spent nearly £1million on it - that is money that could have been used to find our club a new home in Merton.

'If I was the owner of the club I know what I would do - I would sack him. It's clear he doesn't have a future in football and he should resign. He's shown utter contempt for the fans.'

But a defiant Koppel said: 'We welcome this decision. It wholly bears out our view that we were not given a full and fair hearing when this matter was looked at previously.

'Our only desire is to get a fair and impartial hearing, based on the facts.'

The League's previous rejections of Milton Keynes saw them voice concerns that the move would set a dangerous precedent in breaking the links between football clubs and their local communities.

In August, Burns insisted: 'League rules clearly state that, clubs should play in the conurbation from which they derive their name or are traditionally associated unless given the approval to do otherwise by the board.'

A Merton spokesman gave the arbitration verdict a cautious welcome, saying: 'We are disappointed that the arbitration did not come to a final result to ensure Wimbledon stayed in their home area, but this is the next best thing.

'At least they have not been allowed to go to Milton Keynes.'

Supporters of clubs throughout the country turned out to protest against the Milton Keynes scheme at a Fans United day held at the Selhurst game against Nottingham Forest late last year.