FA heads called to parliament to explain proposed Wembley sale
The Football Association (FA) has been called to parliament to explain the proposed £800m sale of Wembley to American billionaire Shahid Khan.
Representatives from the FA, Sport England and Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (DCMS) minister Tracey Crouch MP have been asked to attend a DCMS Committee evidence session on "Wembley Stadium and the future of English football".
They will be asked to give evidence on the risks and benefits of the proposed sale, how its proceeds would be used and what its overall impact on the future of English football would be.
The FA spent around £800m rebuilding the iconic ground between 2000 and 2007 but still owes around £140m in costs. Sport England and the DCMS, who both contributed to the revamp, could be due a cut of the sale to Fulham and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Khan.
"Wembley is the home of English football, built in part using public money," said DCMS committee chair Damian Collins MP.
"There should be some public scrutiny of any decision to sell the stadium and how proceeds from this could be invested to benefit the long-term future of the game.
“The Committee is interested in understanding the details of the FA's proposals and receiving evidence from people who may hold alternative views."
Khan is thought to have made a cash bid of £600m for the stadium while the FA believes the future hospitality element puts the overall offer closer to £800m.
The governing body has indicated it will plough the proceeds into grassroots football.
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