WEMBLEY MONEY IS NEEDED AT LOWER LEVELS...

FA COUNCIL members are said to be concerned by the potential longterm legacy should the proposed sale of Wembley Stadium to American billionaire Shahid Khan be sanctioned later this month.

Khan’s offer of £600 million in cash and £300m in retained hospitality income has split opinions, with the Football Association keen to use the money to transform grassroots facilities.

The 127-member Council met this week to hear a presentation from FA chiefs answering any concerns about Wembley’s future status as the national stadium and why they back its sale to the Fulham owner.

But it has been suggested that some Council members were not wholly convinced with more doubts being raised on how the grassroots investment pot will be distributed ahead of the key vote on October 24.

In a statement posted on its Twitter feed on Thursday, the FA said: “Today’s FA Council meeting included a presentation and healthy discussion on the potential sale of Wembley Stadium.

“The full facts and figures of a £600m investment to improve community football facilities in England were outlined.

“The presentation also included detailed information on the commercial deal that has been discussed, including the protections that will be in place to ensure its status as the national stadium and the home of English football.

“A special meeting has been scheduled on October 24 for the FA Council members to vote on the potential sale. The FA Board will then take these views into consideration.”