NEWPORT County AFC have been given permission to not play any games at Rodney Parade in the first three weeks of the new football season to allow the installation of a hybrid pitch.

The arrangement, first revealed by the South Wales Argus earlier this month, was confirmed by the club after a request to postpone home matches until August 26 got the green light from the English Football League.

Next season’s League Two schedule is published on June 21 – the campaign begins on the weekend of August 4-6 – and any club affected by the situation will be asked if they want to reverse their fixture against the Exiles.

If they decline the switch then that match will be rearranged for a date later in the campaign.

A County statement read: “Newport County AFC has been in dialogue with a number of stakeholders in relation to the forthcoming season, specifically in the context of the planned change of ownership and the impact that change has on the required pitch works.

"The EFL has agreed to a request from Newport County to postpone any home games until 26 August in order for the club to complete the installation of a new Desso playing surface at Rodney Parade.

"Any club who is scheduled to play at Newport prior to this date will be asked if they want to reverse the fixture following the confirmation of the League Two schedule on Wednesday, June 21.

“The decision to reverse the fixture will be at the sole discretion of the club(s) involved. If the option is declined then matches will be postponed until a later date in the season.

“In addition, the EFL has agreed to reverse the fixture for round one of the Carabao Cup in the event that Newport are drawn at home.

“The EFL’s support follows Welsh Rugby Union’s takeover of Newport Gwent Dragons and the facilities at Rodney Parade and the club is very appreciative of the support the EFL has shown in this complex matter.”

The Exiles, who had three fixtures either abandoned or postponed last season, share the ground with Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport RFC.

Black and Ambers shareholders last month voted in favour of the Welsh Rugby Union taking over the Dragons and buying Rodney Parade.

Meanwhile, the draw for the first round of the Carabao Cup, traditionally known as the League Cup, takes place tomorrow.