WEMBLEY? SHAHID AND THE NFL ARE WELCOME TO IT

THE only downside to Shahid Khan’s £600m purchase of Wembley Stadium is the news that he won’t turn it into flats. Contrary to Khan’s statement, Wembley is neither iconic nor beloved. It hasn’t been since the twin towers were demolished 15 years ago. It is a soulless, corporate shell – an over-priced vanity project that has drained funds from grassroots football and robbed the rest of the country of both England matches and FA Cup semi-finals. This Wembley is not the home of football and it shouldn’t be the home of England either. How is it fair that a family from Croydon can travel to watch England for the price of a Tube ride while a family from Newcastle must pay north of £200 in train fares? And it isn't just the fans. Talk to any player who represented his country during the six-year period when Wembley was under construction and they’ll all say how much they preferred playing at Old Trafford, St James’ Park or Anfield. More atmosphere. More intimidating crowds. More fun. The only thing Wembley has more of is seats, particularly empty posh ones. Our ‘national’ stadium is nothing of the sort. Khan – and the NFL – are welcome to it.