Albion have been turned down after inviting the Sussex Football Association to stage the Sussex Senior Cup final at The Amex.

The County FA have rejected the proposal for financial and date reasons.

The Seagulls wanted to hold the game at their new stadium on Saturday July 16 as a ramp-up event for a showpiece friendly a fortnight later and the first league fixture, earmarked for August 6.

Albion’s reserves are the holders of the Sussex Senior Cup and could be in the final again this season.

The club viewed staging the match as an ideal opportunity to check everything works smoothly at their new home but the Sussex FA are unhappy with the financial arrangements and delaying the final, which is usually held at Eastbourne Borough in May.

Ken Benham, the Sussex FA’s chief executive, said: “The timing is difficult and the financial side of it was part of the decision of the Board. Albion need that income to test the system. If we could get a sponsor I would go there tomorrow.”

Benham has written to his Albion counterpart, Martin Perry, suggesting the Roy Hayden Trophy is played instead.

The Trophy is usually between the Sussex Senior Cup winners and County League champions but Benham said: “It gives us an opportunity to invite two clubs of our choice, which would be Brighton and Crawley.”

The Sussex FA’s competitions committee were due to discuss the issue last night and to confirm the venue for the Senior Cup final.