Wimbledon chairman Charles Koppel insists plans to move to a new stadium in Milton Keynes are necessary to ensure the club's survival.
Dons fans are bound to react with dismay to the news that the first division outfit, who have been tenants at Selhurst Park since quitting Plough Lane in 1991, intend to be playing at the new ground within two years.
But Koppel, while recognising the switch to Milton Keynes will be an "emotional issue" with Dons fans, is adamant that the proposed move to a 28,000-capacity stadium will help swell the Dons' fan base.
The club said in a statement agreement has been reached with the Milton Keynes Stadium Consortium to move to a new ground in time for the 2003-2004 season.
Koppel said: "This is about ensuring the survival of the club. Wimbledon has been homeless for 10 years now and without a proper home ground the future is bleak.
"Football as a whole will also benefit. This move will allow for a substantial investment in the game and create a new state-of-the-art stadium.
"Initial capacity for the new ground will be 28,000 seats with the potential to increase to 45,000 seats".
PA