Final approval for Everton FC's £505m, 52,000-seater stadium plans has been delayed after the Government requested more time to reach a decision.
After being backed by Liverpool councillors in February, the office of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick was given 21 days to look at the details due to its scale.
With that timescale due to expire on Wednesday an extension has now been asked for.
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The huge scheme at Bramley-Moore Dock has been in the pipeline for a number of years.
"Liverpool City Council have been informed by the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government that the Secretary of State has requested more time to consider the resolution to approve Everton Football Club's planning application to build a new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock," said a Liverpool City Council spokesman.
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"This instruction has been accepted in accordance with national planning law."