FA in talks over sale of Wembley Stadium to Fulham and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan

The FA has confirmed it is in talks with Shahid Khan – the owner of Fulham FC and NFL side the Jacksonville Jaguars – over the sale of Wembley Stadium for a reported £800m.

Sky Sports News understands Khan’s purchase of Wembley would see the England national team being forced to play games away from the stadium, notably in the autumn.

The NFL regular season begins on September 7, with pre-season matches beginning at the start of August. However, it is understood the FA would still consider Wembley as the ‘home’ of the national team.

Due diligence is believed to now be underway on a deal that could see the creation of the first ever NFL franchise outside of the USA.

The NFL said: “We are very happy for Shad Khan and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The potential purchase of Wembley Stadium is a further powerful sign of their commitment to the UK and their vision to help us grow the sport.”

They also confirmed the potential purchase of Wembley would not affect the deal they have in place with Tottenham to stage NFL games at their new ground.

The NFL explained: “Having stadium options in London has always been critical to the NFL and, in tandem with our 10-year partnership with Tottenham Hotspur, this new relationship would allow for even greater flexibility in scheduling future NFL games in London.”

Khan also released a statement, saying: “The games the Jaguars play at Wembley are essential to the financial stability of the Jaguars in Jacksonville, which is one of the smallest markets in the NFL.

“If my ownership interests were to include Wembley Stadium, it would protect the Jaguars’ position in London at a time when other NFL teams are understandably becoming more interested in this great city.

“The the stronger the Jaguars are in London, the more stable and promising the Jaguars’ future will be in Jacksonville.

“Wembley Stadium would return to private ownership and the Football Association would be able to focus on its core mission of developing players with the best player developers and facilities anywhere in the game, thanks in part to the vast financial benefit that would result from the transaction.

“Always know Wembley would be home to the England national teams, and that we would strive every day of the year to be the best possible steward for a venue that is iconic and beloved here and throughout the world.”

Khan also confirmed the potential purchase of Wembley would not affect Fulham, saying “this venture is 100 per cent independent” of his ownership of the club.

The FA board have asked to be kept updated on negotiations, with the governing body believing the investment could provide a huge boost to grassroots football in the country.

An FA spokesperson said: “We can confirm the FA has received an offer to buy Wembley Stadium.”

Khan purchased the Jaguars in 2011 and under his stewardship, they have regularly travelled to the UK to play NFL matches in-front of a British audience.

It was announced only last week that the Jaguars will be playing Super Bowl champions the Philadelphia Eagles at Wembley on October 28.

The 67-year-old added Fulham to his portfolio in 2013, and the west London side could make a return to the Premier League this season – they are one point outside the promotion places with two games to play.

(c) Sky News 2018: FA in talks over sale of Wembley Stadium to Fulham and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan