Wembley to remain

WEMBLEY will NOT be renamed if the £900m sale of the national stadium is approved.

The FA faced a backlash after opening talks with Fulham owner Shahid Khan over selling the home of English football.

Greg Clarke, the FA chief executive, has written to the members of the governing body’s council to clarify the sale and investing the bulk of the money in grassroots football.

Ahead of a crucial meeting next Tuesday, where there is expected to be stiff opposition, Clarke (inset) wrote: “It’s important to remember that the FA did not own Wembley Stadium before 1999, so this is not a historic situation we are unwinding. “There are few national governing bodies that own and operate their own stadiums. We did not own it in 1966 or 1996.

“The emotional reactions and arguments are entirely understandable and that is why it’s important that any owner of Wembley Stadium respects its role as the home of English football.

“Many also argue that the real “soul” of English football is in clubs, leagues and volunteers up and down the country and that should be where The FA should focus its investment.”

Clarke also reassured members that current restrictions on naming rights, future re-sale and usage would remain.

He also vowed key FA events written in place would not clash with the NFL fixtures of Jacksonville Jaguars, who also owned by American Khan.

He said: “This is not a distress sell. We must consider whether it’s an opportunity worth taking.”