Will England be kicked out of Wembley for American Football?
As US tycoon is set to buy iconic stadium from FA for £1billion...
IT IS the heart of English football, and home to the country’s national team.
But within eight weeks Wembley Stadium could be in the hands of the Americans.
And England might be booted out and forced to play at other grounds for several months a year.
American football tycoon Shahid Khan is said to be offering up to £1billion to buy the stadium from the Football Association, which last night appeared poised to accept.
Mr Khan, 67, who owns American football team the Jacksonville Jaguars, could turn Wembley into a US- style sports venue. He could then try to make it the ‘home’ of the Jaguars which would stop England playing there for three months a year while the American National Football League (NFL) season plays in the autumn.
The ground was rebuilt over five years, costing £757million, including £160million of public money, and reopened in 2007. The car parts magnate could potentially charge England to play at Wembley, while critics feared it could be re-named after US firms such as Budweiser or Taco Bell.
Last night it emerged Mr Khan could be the new owner within eight weeks. He told the Daily Mail: ‘I want it to become the greatest stadium on the planet. I want it to be a must on any bucket list.
‘I want it to be open to different sports and I want fans to go there to enjoy the sport but also to enjoy the venue. I have been to Wembley many times and it is an iconic and special place.’
Downing Street issued a thinly veiled warning to England football chiefs to think again if fans were against the sale. Theresa May’s official spokesman said: ‘This process is at an early stage and it is ultimately a decision for the FA.
‘But Wembley is the historic home of English football and holds a very special place in the hearts of fans up and down the country.’
When Wembley Stadium was rebuilt the British public gave millions of pounds to create the national showpiece.
The project received £120million of National Lottery funding, its largest ever sporting award, along with £20million from the Government and £21million from the London Development Agency.
Last night fans accused the FA of a sell-out after it confirmed it had received an offer. The FA said the huge windfall could be pumped into grassroots football. But the Football Supporters Federation, which represents fans, said: ‘We are shocked. For many, Wembley Stadium is the home of English football and has huge significance beyond just bricks and mortar.’
Former Chelsea owner and FA executive Ken Bates said he was ‘100 per cent’ opposed to any sale of Wembley. Mr Bates was appointed chairman of Wembley football left the organisation with a net debt of £150million.
Mr Khan added: ‘The FA would be able to focus on its core mission of developing players with the best facilities anywhere in the game.’
He told England fans: ‘Always know Wembley would be home to the England national teams, and we would strive every day to be the best possible steward for a venue that is iconic and beloved here and throughout the world.’