Coventry and Peterborough would be welcomed back into speedway's Elite League, despite threatening legal action against the governing body.

The British Speedway Association excluded both clubs after they refused to accept unspecified rule changes supported by all other clubs.

In a statement the BSPA said it would "welcome both [teams'] resumption of their membership of the Elite League."

But the BSPA has not changed its stance that the rule changes must be accepted.

It continued: "The absence of both Coventry and Peterborough from the Elite League is their own choice.

606: DEBATE The Bees and Panthers have taken it so far now I can only see them returning to the Elite League if the other BSPA members give in, or if they're successful in a court battle ChrisOsborneBBC

"The BSPA regrets that Coventry and Peterborough have not been prepared to accept relatively minor improvements to the BSPA's rules supported by the overwhelming majority of BSPA members but have chosen to maintain their threat of costly legal proceedings that can only damage the interests of the sport, its fans and riders."

It is unlikely the Bees or Panthers will be tempted by the BSPA's offer, which was made before the clubs announced their intention to press ahead with legal action.

In a joint statement on Thursday the two sides, who are both former Elite League title winners, said they had been left with no choice other than to consider taking out an injunction against the BSPA.

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