News:

Use a VPN to stream games Safely and Securely 🔒
A Virtual Private Network can also allow you to
watch games Not being broadcast in the UK For
more Information and how to Sign Up go to
https://go.nordvpn.net/SH4FE

Main Menu


Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/10/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, October 18, 2018, 07:48:21 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

 
Chelsea have the perfect chance to strike for 18 year old superstar as his club struggle to survive


Ryan Sessegnon has been one of the most wanted English youngsters in the game since he made his first team debut two years ago as a fresh faced 16 year old.

Since then the youngster has come on leaps and bounds, and last year was a key player as his club Fulham battled their way through the Premier League through the playoffs – thanks in part to his superb contributions from the left wing.

This season things have been different however, and the signings that the Whites have made as well as some tricky fixtures have seen Ryan struggle for minutes. It was even reported by WhoScored that the England U21 international has been doing special gym work to bulk up for the top flight.

Regardless of how his or Fulham's season turns out, this summer will be the perfect chance to sign the youngster. His price is only going to go up once he finds his feet at the top level, so let's swoop while there's still a shred of uncertainty about his future.



https://www.chelsea-news.co/2018/10/chelsea-perfect-chance-strike-18-year-old-superstar-club-struggle-survive/

WhiteJC

 
The Sean Davis Column

I'm looking forward to our game in Cardiff on Saturday. There was never really much of a rivalry between the two clubs, but last season was a long, ongoing ding-dong battle with them. The promotion race couldn't have been more gripping, going to the final day, and of course they ended up pipping us to that last automatic place. At the time we were devastated, but the best way to win promotion if you don't come first is by going up through the Play-Offs. The year before when we lost to Reading, I think most of the fans were more gutted by missing out on the day at Wembley rather than promotion itself. This year was different, though, and thankfully we got the lot – the historical day out at Wembley and a place in the Premier League. It was the best way to go up.


Cardiff are going to go into this game thinking Fulham at home is one they need to win. Considering where we both are in the table currently, it's a six-pointer. We're the same, though, we need to be beating the teams who are in and around us. Away to Man City and at home to Arsenal, those are bonus games for me. Obviously you want to perform and do well in them, but matches against the likes of Cardiff are your bread and butter.


We had the beating of them in Wales last year – (what a match that was!) – but it's going to be a tough game. Neil Warnock teams are always the same; they like to get the ball in the box, they're big, physical and strong, they try to utilise set-pieces. They're going to be bang up for it so we need to make sure we don't lose the game as an absolute minimum. It will be difficult, the lads played them twice last year so there won't be any surprises there. If anything, Cardiff are going to know less about us because we've had more personnel changes over the summer, so hopefully that will work in our favour.

We've sold plenty of away tickets for Saturday, which doesn't surprise me. The fans who travel to away games are great, they always have been. They travel in their numbers, they're very loud, so it will be a good trip for them. I've never been out in Cardiff before but I've heard it's a good night, so it should be a fun one for the travelling faithful. We are normally a well-travelled lot and this is one where the fans will expect the lads to do the business. It might not be pretty football all the way, we're going to have to dig in, defend well and make ourselves hard to beat. That's what we need to get back to, teams dreading facing us.


A lot has been made of how many goals we're conceding, but the boys will have been working hard on that over the international break. For me it's finding the back four, or back three, and sticking with it. There's been a bit of chopping and changing due to injuries and form. But we're eight games in now so Slaviša will be getting an idea of what his strongest defence is, and out of that relationships will begin to build, which is important for any backline.

Last week we learnt of five fixture changes, four of which are for live television coverage. It can be frustrating for fans who prefer to watch their team on a Saturday, but it shows that the broadcasters consider us to be an entertaining side to show. You know there's always going to be goals in our games. You can't control which games Sky and BT Sport choose so hopefully we can just get on a good run so that when the cameras do come then we can put on a bit of a show. The players won't need any extra motivation but there is that little bit extra when it's televised. I always enjoyed it, personally.

Join the 1,750 Fulham fans who have already bought their seat for Cardiff, with tickets still available to purchase on General Sale.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/october/17/the-sean-davis-column

WhiteJC

 
Report: Crystal Palace and Fulham interested in Branislav Ivanovic

Former Chelsea hero Branislav Ivanovic could potentially return to the Premier League with Fulham or Crystal Palace.

Branislav Ivanovic may be 34 years of age these days but that does not mean he is finished at the highest level. Far from it.

The experienced defender has been in top form this season, helping Zenit St Petersburg to the top of the Russian Premier League table. And The Mail believes that Barcelona have identified him as a potential January target to provide cover for the injured Samuel Umtiti.

But a return to the Premier League could also be on the cards for a player who won the competition three times during a stellar spell at Chelsea.

The Mail adds that Crystal Palace and Fulham have made enquiries about bringing Ivanovic back to London and they could step up their interest now Barcelona have entered the race.

The Serbia captain is out of contract at the end of this season so could be available on a cut-price fee and his big-game nous could prove invaluable to a Crystal Palace side who find themselves at the wrong end of the table after a difficult start to the season.

The report clams that Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic wants to add some experience to his youthful side and Ivanovic would fit the bill.

The Cottagers have won just one of eight Premier League games since their promotion and have the worst defensive record in the division, having conceded 21 goals already.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/10/17/do-report-crystal-palace-and-fulham-interested-in-branislav-ivan/


WhiteJC

 
Games for the Weekend 20/10
This weekend we travel to South Wales to take on fellow Premiership 'new boys' Cardiff


Well the past couple of games didn't go the way we'd hoped so this weekend we'll be aiming to get a result against a Cardiff ream that haven't won a game so far this season, so expect a Fulhamish result!?

I'm sure Slaviša will have spent the 'international break' working with the players on their defensive duties, something Colin will try to exploit.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah is unlikely to be fit, so Cyrus Christie will hope for a better performance than against Arsenal, he wasn't as bad as some have made out however he'll want to answer some of his critics with a performance. At this point we don't know if Tom Cairney, Alfie Mawson or Joe Bryan will be in the squad, their inclusion can only help shore up a too leaky defence.

If Slaviša's style of football is better than Colin's version then this game is the one to drive our point home, last season's fixture resulted in a 4-2 defeat, time for revenge...

Games of Interest
Saturday 20th
Bournemouth v Southampton
Cardiff v Fulham
Newcastle v Brighton
West Ham v Spurs
Huddersfield v Liverpool

Sunday 21st
Everton v Palace


COYW



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=444

WhiteJC

 
International Round-Up

It was an action-packed weekend for Fulham players representing their respective countries in a busy international period across the globe.

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa played a full 90 minutes for Cameroon on Friday evening as Les Lions Indomptables picked up a 1-0 victory over Malawi courtesy of an Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting goal. The victory saw Cameroon move atop Group B in their quest to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.


It was an equally successful night for Jean Michaël Seri and his Ivory Coast side as they thrashed the Central African Republic 4-0 at the Stade Bouaké. The box-to-box midfielder played the full match for Les Éléphants who moved to within three points of Guinea who currently top Group H.

Ibrahima Cissé scored the all important second goal for Guinea as they defeated Rwanda at the Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry. The combative defensive midfielder came on in the 55th minute with the hosts holding a slender one goal advantage and in the 73rd minute he scored his first goal for his country. After some neat link up play Cissé rifled a left-footed drive into the bottom right hand corner from just outside the box. The Syli nationale are back in action tomorrow afternoon as they face Rwanda once again.

Floyd Ayité played the whole match for Togo as their poor form continued with a 1-1 draw with Gambia. Les Éperviers sit rock bottom of Group D as their chances of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations appear bleak.

On Saturday Stefan Johansen captained Norway as they produced a solid display to defeat Slovenia 1-0 in Oslo. The tireless midfielder played 80 minutes for the hosts before being substituted in a match that was decided by an excellent strike from Ole Selnaes in first-half injury time.

Cyrus Christie was voted man of the match as the Republic of Ireland earned their first Nations League point with a defensive display against a Denmark side missing Christian Eriksen in Dublin.

Christie was selected in an unfamiliar role at the heart of the Ireland midfield and produced a strong display for the hosts. Despite some chances for both sides the match ended goalless and, speaking after the game, Christie was full of praise for his side's application.

"We were solid tonight," he reflected. "We nullified them and didn't allow them to create many chances.

"It's a point in the right direction and we have to build on that now and look forward to Tuesday night."


Back in Africa, Neeskens Kebano was an unused substitute for the Democratic Republic of the Congo as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe at the Stade des Martyrs.

The weekend's action was concluded on Sunday when both Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrović were in action for their respective countries.

McDonald was a second half substitute for Scotland as they were comprehensively beaten by a makeshift Portugal outfit at Hampden Park. A late Steven Naismith goal proved nothing more than a consolation after three Portugal strikes had put the match more of less to bed midway through the second half.

Mitrović could not replicate his goal scoring heroics from his previous match as Serbia and Romania played out an eventful game at the Arena Nationala in Bucharest. The all action striker came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half, lashing a shot a fraction wide after powering his way through. Dušan Tadić missed a penalty for the visitors and 10 man Romania held on to claim a point.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/october/15/international-round-up-monday

WhiteJC

 
Bournemouth Tickets Limited

Make sure you don't miss out with the last few tickets remaining for Fulham's home game against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday 27th October.

With only Family Zone seating available, bring the family to Craven Cottage and enjoy Premier League football this half-term.

Tickets are priced at just £30 adults and £20 juniors and available over the phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 1).

Only restricted view Family Zone seating remains. Tickets are limited to a maximum of two adults per junior ticket purchased.
Official Club Members receive a £5 match ticket discount for adults and £3 discount for over 65s and 18-21 year olds.
All tickets are subject to availability. Terms & Conditions and booking fees apply.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/october/17/bournemouth-tickets-limited


WhiteJC

 
Wembley: Shahid Khan withdraws 'divisive' offer to buy national stadium from FA


The FA has owned Wembley since 1999 having bought it from Wembley plc, a private firm which previously owned the stadium

Fulham owner Shahid Khan has withdrawn his offer to buy Wembley Stadium from the Football Association after the plan became "divisive".

Khan had offered £600m for the national stadium, with the FA retaining the Club Wembley hospitality rights, which it valued at £250m to £300m.

The move was "more divisive than expected", said FA chief Martin Glenn.

Khan has not ruled out making another bid in future if there is more support from FA Council members.

The FA had said it would invest the proceeds of the sale into improving grassroots football facilities.

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch told the BBC she was "very disappointed" by the decision, calling the offer "a huge opportunity to boost funding into the development and maintenance of artificial and grass pitches up and down the country".

FA executives made a presentation to the FA Council last week about why they were backing the sale to Khan, and the 127 council members were scheduled to vote on the proposed sale on 24 October.

But a senior FA source told BBC Sport that the board believed the odds were slightly against the purchase being backed, given the strong objections of some councillors to the home of English football being sold off.

FA chief executive Glenn said Khan had believed his offer "would be well received by all football stakeholders".

However, Glenn added: "At a recent meeting with Mr Khan he expressed to us that, without stronger support from within the game, his offer is being seen as more divisive than it was anticipated to be and he has decided to withdraw his proposal.

"Wembley Stadium is an iconic venue that is revered around the world and it will continue to thrive under the ownership and direction of the FA."

Khan said he wanted "to do right by everyone in a manner that strengthens the English game and brings people together, not divides them".

He added: "Unfortunately, given where we are today, I've concluded that the outcome of a vote next week would be far from sufficient in expressing the broad support favoured by the FA chairman to sell Wembley Stadium.

"Until a time when it is evident there is an unmistakable directive from the FA to explore and close a sale, I am respectfully withdrawing my offer to purchase Wembley Stadium."

Khan, who also owns the NFL American football team the Jacksonville Jaguars, added: "Our commitment to London would have been amplified and strengthened with the certainty of officially making Wembley Stadium an annual host to Jaguars or other NFL games."

The FA had pledged to keep showpiece events, such as most England internationals and the FA Cup final, at the stadium under a pre-agreed hire fee.

Reaction to collapse of sale
The Football Foundation charity, which helps fund grassroots projects, said a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to improve facilities had been lost.

"Unfortunately, those who play the game as a sport, simply for the love of doing so and for the health benefits, are having to put up with a stock of community football facilities that is in a shameful state," it added.

Other supporters, however, were concerned over the possibility of rising ticket prices for Wembley games, loss of control over the ground's future development and the stadium becoming the home of a new owner's club side, Football Supporters' Federation chairman Malcolm Clarke said.

"More than 2,000 supporters took part in our consultation on the Wembley sale and we took that fan feedback directly to the FA Council last week. Only one in three fans thought the FA should sell to Khan while two-thirds of supporters were against selling the stadium under any circumstances," he added.

Pros and cons - what they said

FOR
The FA said only one in three grassroots pitches are of adequate quality and it would invest in facilities.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn: "This is an opportunity to unleash an unprecedented amount of investment into community football. Receiving an offer to sell Wembley Stadium is not a 'betrayal'. It is not selling the 'soul of the game'."

AGAINST
Opponents had suggested selling an iconic national venue was a short-term plan which the FA would live to regret.

Former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville: "The FA feels to fund the grassroots programme, they have to sell a national asset - it's quite simply ridiculous. Don't sell Wembley when you can place a levy on agents' fees."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45893325

WhiteJC

 
Wembley will NOT be sold to Shahid Khan after Fulham owner withdraws £600m offer to buy stadium

The Fulham owner had offered £600million for the stadium but has now pulled his bid

Shahid Khan has withdrawn his £600million offer to buy Wembley.

The Fulham owner had expressed a serious interest in purchasing the national stadium but has now decided against pursuing his interest.

The billionaire's offer had drawn criticism from across the footballing world.

FA Chief Executive, Martin Glenn, said: "Earlier this year, The FA received an unsolicited official offer from Shahid Khan to buy Wembley Stadium. It was a very credible offer and was given very serious consideration.

"Shahid Khan has informed us today that he will be withdrawing his offer to buy the stadium – and we fully respect his decision.


Shahid Khan had offered £600million for the ground (Image: Getty)

"Mr Khan believed that his offer to buy Wembley Stadium would release funds to help improve community football facilities in England and that it would be well received by all football stakeholders.

"At a recent meeting with Mr Khan he expressed to us that, without stronger support from within the game, his offer is being seen as more divisive than it was anticipated to be and has decided to withdraw his proposal.

"Wembley Stadium is an iconic venue that is revered around world and it will continue to thrive under the ownership and direction of The FA.

"There has been much deliberation on both sides of this debate and it has undoubtedly raised awareness of the issue that community football facilities in England need significant investment.

"We would like to thank the football stakeholders, Government, FA Board and Council members for their collaborative approach throughout this process. We will continue to work together to identify new and innovative ways of investing in community football facilities in the future."

Khan, who also owns NFL franchise the Jacksonville Jaguars, refused to rule out a future bid.

He said: "I've been clear publicly as well as in my correspondence with the FA Council that it would require a proper partnership, with the full and enthusiastic commitment of all involved, to maximise the benefits to the FA and game of football by way of 100 percent private ownership of Wembley Stadium.

"At the moment, following last week's FA Council hearing, it appears there is no definitive mandate to sell Wembley and my current proposal, subsequently, would earn the backing of only a slim majority of the FA Council, well short of the conclusive margin that the FA Chairman has required.

"The intent of my efforts was, and is, to do right by everyone in a manner that strengthens the English game and brings people together, not divides them. Unfortunately, given where we are today, I have concluded that the outcome of a vote next week would be far from sufficient in expressing the broad support favoured by the FA Chairman to sell Wembley Stadium.

"Until a time when it is evident there is an unmistakable directive from the FA to explore and close a sale, I am respectfully withdrawing my offer to purchase Wembley Stadium.

"I cannot rule out revisiting the opportunity at another time when perhaps the FA family is unified in its views on the opportunity. What is certain is seeing a proposal of this magnitude come to fruition would necessitate an extraordinary partnership, one capable of doing remarkable things for all our respective constituents well into the future. That would require the partners getting off to a strong and promising start, and with opinions clearly split, that is not possible at this time.

"The journey was not without its rewards as I have strengthened standing relationships while making new friends along the way. Wembley Stadium is indeed a national treasure, one I would care for and respect for generations.

"I recognise the passion many people have for Wembley and what it means to English football, and will be willing to re-engage with the FA on this matter under proper circumstances. In the meantime, I thank the FA for its consideration and as it continues to deliberate the potential of private ownership of Wembley Stadium, I trust it will own and operate Wembley in a manner that will provide exceptional service to players, guests and the development of football in England."

The Football Foundation have stated their disappointment at Khan's withdrawal, stating: "This would have been a once in a life time opportunity to make considerable inroads into probably the most pressing issue facing football in this country."

Government Sports Minister Tracey Crouch also added she was "very disappointed" by Khan pulling out.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/breaking-wembley-not-sold-after-13432376

WhiteJC

 
Wembley will not be sold by the FA after Shahid Khan withdraws offer
• Fulham owner pulls out of proposed deal to buy stadium
• FA says stadium will stay under its ownership


The FA will not sell Wembley after Shahid Khan withdrew his offer for the stadium. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

The Football Association's proposed £600m sale of Wembley stadium to Shahid Khan has been unexpectedly cancelled after the owner of Fulham football club and the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team suddenly withdrew.

Khan's decision to scrap the offer, which the FA first made public in April and on which it has since been consulting, came a week before the FA's 127-member council was due to vote on the proposal. Greg Clarke, the FA chairman, and chief executive Martin Glenn have consistently argued for the sale, to release the £600m and further matched funding to improve grassroots, public football facilities throughout England which are generally run-down and suffering from local authority budget cuts.

The FA board effectively approved the sale and sought a "significant majority" of support from council members, who represent all sections of football from amateur counties to professional, Premier League representatives.

At a non-voting council meeting last week, where some insiders said the overall sentiment was broadly supportive, some members voiced strong opposition in principle to selling the national football stadium. The former Premier League chairman Sir David Richards, a non-voting council vice‑president who called the proposal "scandalous" in April, is understood to have been one of those who voiced opposition.

That division was cited by Khan as his key reason for withdrawing the offer, which the FA announced first, explaining in a statement that Wembley will now not be sold and will continue to be owned by the governing body: "Mr Khan believed that his offer to buy Wembley stadium would release funds to help improve community football facilities in England and that it would be well received by all football stakeholders.

"At a recent meeting with Mr Khan he expressed to us that, without stronger support from within the game, his offer is being seen as more divisive than it was anticipated to be and has decided to withdraw his proposal."

Since 2013 Khan's Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team have played one match a season at Wembley, which have been popular and lucrative for the team. The motivation for his proposed purchase was widely assumed to be a move to extend the NFL and Jaguars' London presence in future years. Last week Mark Waller, an NFL executive vice-president, said London could host a permanent NFL team from 2022. Khan's representatives have denied that this is explicitly the plan for the Jaguars, explaining that the extension of the profitable London presence, which further markets the sport outside the US, will have to be decided by the NFL as a whole.

Khan also cited the divisions within the FA council in his statement, saying: "At this moment, following last week's FA council hearing, it appears there is no definitive mandate to sell Wembley and my current proposal, subsequently, would earn the backing of only a slim majority of the FA Council, well short of the conclusive margin that the FA chairman has required.

"Unfortunately, given where we are today, I've concluded that the outcome of a vote next week would be far from sufficient in expressing the broad support favored [sic] by the FA chairman to sell Wembley. Until a time when it is evident there is an unmistakable directive from the FA to explore and close a sale, I am respectfully withdrawing my offer to purchase Wembley Stadium."

The FA said the Wembley debate has "undoubtedly raised awareness of the issue that community football facilities in England need significant investment". Attention will now turn to that issue, and in particular whether the Premier League, whose 20 clubs are receiving £8.4bn from the 2016-19 TV deals, should contribute more to fund grassroots improvements.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/oct/17/wembley-stadium-deal-off-fa-shahid-khan


WhiteJC

 
Wembley will not be sold after Shahid Khan withdraws 'divisive' offer


Shahid Khan has withdrawn his £600m offer to buy Wembley Credit: AP

Billionaire Shahid Khan has sensationally withdrawn his £600 million offer to buy Wembley after being told the Football Association had not secured enough support in the grassroots game.

The Pakistani-American businessman is pulling out of the deal because he believed the FA was unlikely to secure a strong majority at a vote among its 127-member Council next week.

His decision to pull out is disastrous for FA chief executive Martin Glenn, who only last week told amateur football leaders that investments from the deal would eventually be worth £1.5 billion for the amateur game.

Khan said in a statement that his offer would "require a proper partnership, with the full and enthusiastic commitment of all involved, to maximize the benefits to the FA and game of football by way of 100 percent private ownership of Wembley Stadium."

"At this moment, following last week's FA Council hearing, it appears there is no definitive mandate to sell Wembley and my current proposal, subsequently, would earn the backing of only a slim majority of the FA Council, well short of the conclusive margin that the FA Chairman has required," he said.

"The intent of my efforts was, and is, to do right by everyone in a manner that strengthens the English game and brings people together, not divides them.  Unfortunately, given where we are today, I've concluded that the outcome of a vote next week would be far from sufficient in expressing the broad support favored by the FA Chairman to sell Wembley Stadium.  Until a time when it is evident there is an unmistakable directive from the FA to explore and close a sale, I am respectfully withdrawing my offer to purchase Wembley Stadium."

Khan, who owns Fulham FC and the Jacksonville Jaguars, had been in talks to acquire the home of English football for NFL games since April and had agreed an outline deal for operational limitations, including that no sponsor can gain "title" rights, such as renaming the stadium or adding a corporate brand alongside that of Wembley. The deal had the backing of the Government via Sport England.

Khan said he "cannot rule out revisiting the opportunity at another time when perhaps the Football Association family is unified in its views on the opportunity," adding: "Wembley Stadium is indeed a national treasure, one I would care for and respect for generations.  I recognise the passion many people have for Wembley and what it means to English football, and will be willing to re-engage with the FA on this matter under proper circumstances."



The history of Wembley | Since the FA bought it from private owners in 1999

March 11, 1999: The FA buys the old Wembley Stadium from private owners Wembley plc for £103million with the intention of redeveloping the site and building a new national stadium.
October 7, 2000: England are beaten in their final game at the old Wembley, losing a World Cup qualifier 1-0 to Germany. Kevin Keegan resigns as manager after the game.
May 12, 2001: The FA Cup final is staged at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff as preparations are made to redevelop the old stadium. Michael Owen scores twice as Liverpool beat Arsenal 2-1.
2002: Demolition work begins on the Old Wembley, including the dismantling of the famous Twin Towers.
March 9, 2007: With work complete, at a reported cost of £800million, the stadium is handed over by Australian builders Multiplex. An iconic arch, which replaces the Twin Towers as the main feature, also acts as support for the majority of the stadium's roof structure.
March 17, 2007: The stadium is opened for public viewing, attended by the local residents of Brent.
May 19, 2007: The official opening of the new Wembley sees Chelsea defeat Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Didier Drogba scores the winning goal in front of a crowd of 89,826.
August 22, 2007: England return to Wembley against the same opponents and lose again, this time Germany triumphing 2-1 in a friendly.
October 28, 2007: The first regular season NFL game to be played outside North America sees the New York Giants defeat the Miami Dolphins 13-10 in front of 81,176 fans at Wembley.
May 28, 2011: Barcelona defeat Manchester United 3-1 in the Champions League final at Wembley. The final returns to Wembley two years later to mark the 150th anniversary of the FA, Bayern Munich defeating fellow German side Borussia Dortmund 2-1.
August 11, 2012: Wembley hosts the London Olympic Games men's football final with Mexico defeating Brazil 2-1 to lift the gold medal.
August 21, 2012: The Jacksonville Jaguars, Khan's NFL franchise, announce a four-year deal to become the temporary tenants of Wembley and play one regular game each year between 2013 and 2016.
September 14, 2016: Tottenham play a first European fixture using Wembley as their home ground as the club begin work to redevelop White Hart Lane. They lose 2-1 to Monaco. Tottenham play two other Champions League and one Europa League games at Wembley that season.
April 29, 2017: Anthony Joshua defeats holder Wladimir Klitschko to win the WBA (super), IBF and IBO heavyweight titles in front of a sell-out Wembley crowd of 90,000. Both fighters are knocked down before Joshua wins by technical knockout when the referee stops the contest in the 11th round.
June 28, 2017: Adele's concert sets a stadium attendance record for a live music show of 98,000 fans.
August 20, 2017: Tottenham play the first game in a full season of fixtures at Wembley, losing 2-1 to Chelsea in the Premier League.
April 26, 2018: Fulham owner Shahid Khan announces he is in talks to buy Wembley from the FA.
18 July, 2018: Gary Neville describes selling Wembley as a "short-term plan we'll regret forever" at at a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee hearing, but sports Minister Tracey Crouch has backed the sale so the FA can accelerate plans to transform grassroots facilities over the next 20 years.
September 27, 2018: The plan to sell Wembley moves a step closer to completion after it was backed by the FA board.
October 11, 2018: The FA confirms the proposed sale of the national stadium to Khan would go to a vote of the Football Association Council on October 24 after a "healthy discussion" of the deal's merits.
October 17, 2018: The FA announces Khan has withdrawn his offer to buy Wembley.




The announcement comes less than a week after a heated meeting to decide Wembley's fate at the home of English football last Thursday. Several councillors said the the deal was in severe trouble as grassroots chiefs questioned how effective the payments would be in the FA's promise of "transforming" the amateur game.

Glenn, who had been hopeful of securing the deal, said "we fully respect his decision".

"At a recent meeting with Mr Khan he expressed to us that, without stronger support from within the game, his offer is being seen as more divisive than it was anticipated to be and has decided to withdraw his proposal.

"Wembley Stadium is an iconic venue that is revered around world and it will continue to thrive under the ownership and direction of The FA.

"There has been much deliberation on both sides of this debate and it has undoubtedly raised awareness of the issue that community football facilities in England need significant investment."



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/10/17/wembley-will-not-sold-shahid-khan-withdraws-offer/

WhiteJC

 
Dedryck Boyata leaving Celtic for Fulham would be perfect for all parties

Premier League newcomers Fulham reportedly failed with a £9million bid for Celtic centre-back Boyata.

Fulham miht have become the first ever newly promoted Premier League side to spend over £100 million in a single transfer window but it is not showing so far.

As it stands, Slavisa Jokanovic's side are 17th in the table, with their defence looking a very obvious Achilles heel. No team in the division has conceded as many as Fulham's 21 goals so far, with Alfie Mawson and Calum Chambers yet to settle since their moves from Swansea and Arsenal respectively.

With the Mail reporting that Jokanovic wants to sign an experienced defender in the January transfer window, such as the 34-year-old Zenit ace Branislav Ivanovic, do not be surprised if the Cottagers return for Dedryck Boyata again.

According to the Times, Fulham had a £9 million bid rejected by Celtic in July for the want-away centre-back. But the Belgian international still looks set to leave in 2019.

It is well documented that Boyata's contract expires next summer and, according to HLN, Celtic have given up hope of tying him down to a new deal with a January exit looking likely.

If the Hoops do not cash in soon, they face losing the World Cup ace on a free at the end of the season. So, if Fulham are willing to put £9 million on the table once again, Celtic surely could not afford to turn that down.

Boyata to Fulham seems to be the perfect solution for all parties.

Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Celtic and Dedryck Boyata of Celtic applauds fans after the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park Stadium on September 2, 2018...



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/10/17/do-dedryck-boyata-leaving-celtic-for-fulham-is-perfect-for-all-p/

WhiteJC

 
What does the future hold for Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic?

Fulham supporters have been pretty downbeat in recent times after seeing their side muster just one win from their opening eight Premier League games prior to the current break for internationals.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men went into their most recent clash with London rivals Arsenal off the back of a 3-0 defeat at Everton in their previous league encounter, which thus left them without a win in three league matches. And the Cottagers are now winless in four games despite going in at half time 1-1 against the Gunners, with braces from Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang alongside a wonderful Aaron Ramsey goal sealing a comprehensive 5-1 success for Unai Emery's men, thus condemning Fulham to a fifth defeat of the campaign.

Thus, there have been many disappointed Fulham fans up and down the country in recent times, with the manner of their second half capitulation against Arsenal something of a concern among supporters, to the point that questions may well be asked of Jokanovic's position as manager.

Ultimately, there is little doubting that the 50-year-old has done a tremendous job at Craven Cottage in turning the West London club from one struggling in the lower half of the Championship to earning promotion via the play-offs a matter of months ago.

Thus, the former Chelsea midfielder certainly deserves a shot at the Premier League after failing to get that despite leading Watford to the promised land back in 2015, and the Fulham hierarchy have definitely given him the tools to succeed in spending a huge amount of money during the close season.

The Cottagers spent a great deal on the likes of Jean-Michael Seri, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Alfie Mawson in a bid to not only stay in the Premier League but also compete further up the division, while the loan signings of Andre Schurrle and Luciano Vietto further underlined their statement of intent.

Yes, things were always likely to take time given the amount of additions they made during the summer, but the manner in which they have lost matches in recent weeks to Arsenal and Everton must be of concern to manager Jokanovic and indeed the club's supporters – they were level at half time in both games, only for their defensive deficiencies to rear their head on both occasions.

Yes, they have already played the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City, and Arsenal, but they would have looked at matches against Crystal Palace, Brighton, Watford, and even Everton as opportunities to pick up points – they managed just two from those four games.

The next three games are vital for Jokanovic, with trips to Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town sandwiched by a home clash against Bournemouth – we will have a much clearer idea as to where Fulham are at under the 50-year-old after that trio of games.

But were the Cottagers to go winless through that spell, the pressure will be ramped up on Jokanovic, who is somewhat already in a precarious position after his side's unconvincing start to the new season.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/features/what-does-the-future-hold-for/what-does-the-future-hold-for-fulham-manager-slavisa-jokanovic/


WhiteJC

 
Shahid Khan's full statement on Wembley and why his plans to buy the stadium are still alive

The Fulham owner is set to come back with another offer when he feels the time is right

Shahid Khan has spoken out to explain his decision to walk away from plans to purchase Wembley Stadium from the English Football Association.

However, it is an opportunity he is likely to revisit in the future.

The billionaire owner of Premier League club Fulham and the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL franchise, the Lahore-born business magnate made his fortune as an inventor of car parts.

News of a bid for Wembley was met with a mixed reaction from fans and those in the game with ex-England international Gary Neville a vocal opponent to the idea of selling the national stadium to a private owner.

It was suggested that the FA could use the funds raised by any sale to invest more money in grassroots football in order to improve facilities and pitches across the country.

Khan had reportedly offered £600million for the venue in a deal that see hospitality rights maintained by English football's governing body.

The FA Council were due to vote on the proposal next week but the Fulham owner has now put his ambitions on hold after learning that he was unlikely to win the consensus he requires from the decision makers.

In a statement, he said: "I've been clear publicly as well as in my correspondence with the FA Council that it would require a proper partnership, with the full and enthusiastic commitment of all involved, to maximise the benefits of the FA and the game of football by the way of 100% private ownership of Wembley Stadium.

"At this moment, following last week's FA Council hearing, it appears there is no definitive mandate to sell Wembley and my current proposal, subsequently, would earn the backing of only a slim majority of the FA Council, well short of the conclusive margin that the FA Chairman has required.

"The intent of my efforts was, and is, to do right by everyone in a manner that strengthens the English game and brings people together, not divides them.

"Unfortunately, given where we are today, I've concluded that the outcome of the vote next week would be far from sufficient in expressing the broad support favoured by the FA Chairman to sell Wembley Stadium.

"Until a time when it is evident there is an unmistakable directive from the FA to explore and close a sale I am respectfully withdrawing my offer to purchase Wembley Stadium.

"I cannot rule out revisiting the opportunity at another time when perhaps the Football Association family is unified in its view on the opportunity.

"What is certain is seeing a proposal of this magnitude come to fruition would necessitate an extraordinary partnership, one capable of doing remarkable things for all our respective constituents well into the future.

"That would require the partners getting off to a strong and promising start, and with opinions clearly split, that is not possible at this time.

"The journey was not without its rewards as I have strengthened the standing relationships while making new friends along the way. Wembley Stadium is indeed a national treasure, one I would care for and respect for generations.

"I recognise the passion many people have for Wembley and what it means to English football, and will be willing to re-engage with the FA on this matter under proper circumstances.

"In the meantime, I thank the FA for its consideration and as it continues to deliberate the potential of private ownership of Wembley Stadium, I trust it will own and operate Wembley in a manner that will provide exceptional service to players, guests and the development of football in England."

"The journey was not without its rewards as I have strengthened the standing relationships while making new friends along the way. Wembley Stadium is indeed a national treasure, one I would care for and respect for generations.

"I recognise the passion many people have for Wembley and what it means to English football, and will be willing to re-engage with the FA on this matter under proper circumstances.

"In the meantime, I thank the FA for its consideration and as it continues to deliberate the potential of private ownership of Wembley Stadium, I trust it will own and operate Wembley in a manner that will provide exceptional service to players, guests and the development of football in England."

Khan has strenuously denied these claims with a new riverside development at Craven Cottage already in the works and scheduled to open for the 2021/22 season.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/shahid-khans-full-statement-wembley-15293559

WhiteJC


The Wembley Stadium sale collapsed and the big winner might be Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan withdraws from the £600m sale, calling it "divisive."

The biggest English football news of the day is no doubt the sudden collapse of the FA's proposed deal to sell Wembley Stadium to Fulham owner Shahid Khan. Numerous reports, including the BBC, are reporting that Khan, who also owns the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, has withdrawn his bid for England's national stadium, and that Wembley will, at least for now, remain under the ownership of the Football Association.

The FA had been considering selling off Wembley to private owners as they were trying to get out of the administration of the stadium, and were hoping to funnel proceeds from the sale into grassroots football development efforts in the lower leagues. Khan repeatedly touted the "grassroots improvement angle," but according to the BBC, was also unapologetic about wanting to eventually relocate the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars to London, making them the first overseas-based NFL franchise in the league's history.

The FA released a statement about Khan's withdrawal, and shortly afterwards Khan released a statement of his own, saying that there was resistance to the sale and implying that the proposal may not have passed.

    "I've been clear publicly as well as in my correspondence with the FA Council that it would require a proper partnership, with the full and enthusiastic commitment of all involved, to maximise the benefits to the FA and game of football by way of 100 per cent private ownership of Wembley Stadium.

    "At this moment, following last week's FA Council hearing, it appears there is no definitive mandate to sell Wembley and my current proposal, subsequently, would earn the backing of only a slim majority of the FA Council, well short of the conclusive margin that the FA Chairman has required.

    "The intent of my efforts was, and is, to do right by everyone in a manner that strengthens the English game and brings people together, not divides them.

    "Unfortunately, given where we are today, I've concluded that the outcome of a vote next week would be far from sufficient in expressing the broad support favoured by the FA Chairman to sell Wembley Stadium.

    "Until a time when it is evident there is an unmistakable directive from the FA to explore and close a sale, I am respectfully withdrawing my offer to purchase Wembley Stadium.

    "I cannot rule out revisiting the opportunity at another time when perhaps the Football Association family is unified in its views on the opportunity."

It's not hard to look at this decision as a win for Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy. The new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is designed specifically to host NFL games with a state-of-the-art retractable football pitch. Spurs and the NFL have also entered into an agreement whereby at least one NFL game will be played at Tottenham's stadium for the next decade.

This partnership with the NFL also sets the stage for Tottenham's stadium to potentially be the long term home for a future London-based NFL franchise, though Khan's plans to relocate the Jaguars to Wembley might have thrown a wrench into the works. Levy had recently said, in minutes of a meeting with the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust, that he opposed the sale of Wembley to Khan, but did not specify his reason for the opposition. It's probably not difficult to intuit his reasons, though — Levy clearly views a partnership with the NFL, which is becoming more and more popular in the UK, as critical to the long-term growth of Tottenham as a brand and as a club.

There are good reasons to support the sale of Wembley, and equally good reasons to oppose them. In the end, it seems as though the biggest winner of this deal falling apart might just be Tottenham Hotspur.



https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/tottenham-hotspur-news/2018/10/17/17989714/wembley-stadium-sale-fa-fulham-jacksonville-jaguars-owner-shahid-khan-withdraws-nfl-tottenham

Bassey the warrior

Quote from: WhiteJC on October 18, 2018, 07:52:43 AM

Report: Crystal Palace and Fulham interested in Branislav Ivanovic

Former Chelsea hero Branislav Ivanovic could potentially return to the Premier League with Fulham or Crystal Palace.

Branislav Ivanovic may be 34 years of age these days but that does not mean he is finished at the highest level. Far from it.

The experienced defender has been in top form this season, helping Zenit St Petersburg to the top of the Russian Premier League table. And The Mail believes that Barcelona have identified him as a potential January target to provide cover for the injured Samuel Umtiti.

But a return to the Premier League could also be on the cards for a player who won the competition three times during a stellar spell at Chelsea.

The Mail adds that Crystal Palace and Fulham have made enquiries about bringing Ivanovic back to London and they could step up their interest now Barcelona have entered the race.

The Serbia captain is out of contract at the end of this season so could be available on a cut-price fee and his big-game nous could prove invaluable to a Crystal Palace side who find themselves at the wrong end of the table after a difficult start to the season.

The report clams that Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic wants to add some experience to his youthful side and Ivanovic would fit the bill.

The Cottagers have won just one of eight Premier League games since their promotion and have the worst defensive record in the division, having conceded 21 goals already.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/10/17/do-report-crystal-palace-and-fulham-interested-in-branislav-ivan/

That could be an interesting move. Certainly better than James bleedin' Collins. Question is how much pace does he have these days, he was never the quickest?


WhiteJC

 
Follow Fulham Away

Tickets for Fulham's next four away fixtures are available for supporters for purchase.

We're next on the road in a matter of days, when we travel to the Welsh capital this Saturday for our first match against one of our fellow promoted sides.

Around 350 tickets of our 2,100 allocation are still available for the Cardiff City Stadium clash, so don't hesitate in securing your seat as we lock horns with Neil Warnock's team once again.

Tickets are now only available to purchase on General Sale by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 3) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office. They will, however, be on sale from the ground on the day at the Away Ticket Office by Gate 12 – cash only.

Cardiff City Tickets

We have two Premier League away days in the week commencing Monday 5th November, starting at Huddersfield Town, and concluding at Anfield on Sunday 11th.

The John Smith's Stadium is a ground that the Whites have never lost at, with our most recent trip providing some fantastic memories as a blistering first half display earned Slaviša Jokanović's men a 4-1 win in April 2017.

Tickets are available to buy on General Sale now, so don't miss our Monday night fixture of the 2018/19 Premier League campaign!

Huddersfield Tickets

Six days later we're off to Merseyside for our first trip to Anfield in more than five years.

Season Ticket Holders and Members are now able to purchase up to four (previously two) tickets each for this fixture, with around half of our 3,000 allocation still available.

Liverpool Tickets

In addition to the hat-trick of Premier League away days, we're also on the road in the Carabao Cup when we take on Manchester City right at the start of the month (Thursday 1st November).

Tickets for our Fourth Round tie against the holders are priced at just £10 for adults and £5 concessions.
Man City Tickets

#FollowFulhamAway



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/october/17/follow-fulham-away

WhiteJC

 
Fulham Injury News: Tom Cairney being assessed ahead of return

Fulham have placed midfielder Tom Cairney under assessment ahead of a potential return away to Cardiff City on Saturday.

The 27-year-old has been ruled out since the end of August with a foot injury, playing just 26 minutes in the meantime having faced a set back when brought on as a second-half substitute in his side's 3-0 loss to Everton.

After the game, Slavisa Jokanovic revealed that the club captain had appeared to be okay in the build-up to the match, leading to his brief appearance, but began to suffer pain in his ankle.

Should the international break have given enough time for Cairney's pain to ease, this weekend's trip to Wales will come as welcome relief to the Cottagers, with Premier Injuries currently giving him a 25% chance of playing.

Recurring pain without injury

In Fulham's Championship Play-Off Final winning season, the club captain was ruled out for 77 days across the campaign having faced early fitness and knee problems.

Spells on the sidelines at Craven Cottage came thick and fast for the opening months, having first been struck off for two weeks on the opening day against Norwich before his return was cut short when the knee injury arose.

Finally, come February 5, the key centre mid was able to feature consistently and progress was made with Fulham seeing out the season with only five points dropped before the play-offs.

Same impact needed

Admittedly, Fulham's run of form that ensured a play-off berth began before Cairney's full return to the line-up, having not tasted defeat between December 23rd and April 27th, but his importance was evident nonetheless.

The centre-mid plays a pivotal role in the heart of the pitch with his ability to hold onto the ball and play killer through passes to the forwards.

Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic will be hoping to form a key partnership with the Scotland international, having so far scored five times in eight Premier League matches. That's an incredibly potent return, but will only be sustainable with Cairney's supply line from midfield.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/fulham/injury-news-tom-cairney-return-date

WhiteJC

 
Fulham's Mitrovic, Schurrle and Vietto to sign against Cardiff

Fulham have found life difficult since returning to the Premier League this season. The Cottagers are just two points above the relegation heap currently. Fulham are winless in their last five fixtures and they are still hurting from the 5-1 blasting Arsenal gave them in gameweek 8. Fulham's woes could come to an end on Saturday in their massive six-pointer versus Cardiff.

Fulham's Mitrovic, Schurrle and Vietto to sign against Cardiff

Slavisa Jokanovic and his players should still feel confident going into gameweek 9's match against Cardiff City. The Bluebirds have been downright awful this season collecting two points from 24. Cardiff have lost five straight games scoring just four goals during that run.

Fulham's trip to Wales comes at the right time. They need a win desperately and Saturday's match could finally see Fulham's stars take flight.

Aleksandar Mitrovic leads Fulham in Fantasy Premier League points with 42. His last two gameweeks have been poor with just three points collected. Mitrovic is still second in the Premier League in goals with five. He hasn't scored in three games.

Cardiff gives Mitrovic the chance to find the back of the net once more. The striker is coming off of a good international break having scored two goals against Serbia.

Mitrovic will need his creative players back in form to succeed. Andre Schurrle, who arrived over the summer from Borussia Dortmund, has tallied three goals. However, he hasn't registered an assist yet. Jokanovic needs the German to create goals, something he has done 46 times in his career already.

Fulham's secret creative weapon has been Luciano Vietto. While Schurrle hasn't been able to unlock defences, Vietto has tallied four assists. The striker was surprisingly let go out on loan by Atletico Madrid in the summer. Vietto has since thrived in Jokanovic's attack. His assisted allowed Schurrle to tally Fulham's only goal against Arsenal during their previously mentioned beatdown.

The trio of attacking talent are the players who can lead Fulham to victory on Saturday. Fantasy Premier League managers should keep an eye on the three players and prepare for them to score big against lowly Cardiff.



http://fantasysports.co.uk/2018/10/17/fulhams-mitrovic-schurrle-vietto-sign-fulham/


WhiteJC

 
Wembley sale cancelled! Shahid Khan sensationally withdraws £600m bid to buy national stadium in major defeat for Martin Glenn and Greg Clarke... but FA insist heads will NOT roll

    Shahid Khan has withdrawn his Wembley offer as it was 'seen as divisive'
    Fulham owner Khan said he could return with a bid when FA 'has unified its view'
    Sportsmail first revealed Khan's bid for the national stadium back in April
    The FA planned to put the money from the sale back into grassroots football

The men who wanted to sell Wembley were red-faced on Wednesday night as they were left with no buyer after Shahid Khan sensationally withdrew his £600million offer.

In a major defeat for FA chief executive Martin Glenn and chairman Greg Clarke, Fulham's American billionaire owner pulled out of the deal in anticipation of a vote against the sale by the FA Council next week.

The FA will now assess how to tackle what they consider is a crisis in grassroots football after Khan's withdrawal.

Wembley insiders insisted there was growing support for a deal with Khan among members of the 127-strong council. But Khan appears to have got cold feet and pulled out when it seemed Clarke would not get the 'significant majority' he wanted for the deal to proceed when the council were to vote next Wednesday.

Khan apparently had no desire to remain in the middle of what had become a fierce internal debate since Sportsmail revealed his blockbuster offer in April.

FA sources insist this will not lead to the resignation of Glenn or Clarke, with the FA hierarchy now focusing on how they address the issue of poor facilities in the amateur game across the country.

Indeed, on Wednesday night the FA did not entirely close the door on the deal itself, and Khan concurred that he would be interested in buying Wembley in the future if there was wider support for a deal.

'Selling Wembley would have put the situation in the FA's control,' said one FA source on Wednesday night. 'Now it becomes much more complicated because of the need to find a solution in tandem with the game's major stakeholders.'

Last winter 50,000 matches were postponed because of bad pitches. According to FA research taken from the Institute Of Groundsmen, only one in three grass pitches are of adequate quality.

Sports minister Tracey Crouch MP said she was 'very disappointed' by Khan's decision because the deal represented 'a huge opportunity to boost funding into the development of and maintenance of artificial and grassroots pitches up and down the country'.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Khan said: 'I've been clear publicly as well as in my correspondence with the FA Council that it would require a proper partnership, with the full and enthusiastic commitment of all involved, to maximise the benefits to the FA and game of football by way of 100 per cent private ownership of Wembley.

'At this moment, following last week's FA Council hearing, it appears there is no definitive mandate to sell Wembley and my current proposal, subsequently, would earn the backing of only a slim majority of the FA Council, well short of the conclusive margin that the FA chairman has required.

'The intent of my efforts was, and is, to do right by everyone in a manner that strengthens the English game and brings people together, not divides them.


How Sportsmail kept you ahead of the game... since April we've been on top of Wembley deal

'Until a time when it is evident there is an unmistakable directive from the FA to explore and close a sale, I am respectfully withdrawing my offer.

'I cannot rule out revisiting the opportunity at another time when perhaps the FA family is unified in its views.

'Wembley is a national treasure, one I would care for and respect for generations. I recognise the passion many people have for Wembley and what it means to English football.'

Glenn said: 'We fully respect his decision. Mr Khan believed that his offer to buy Wembley would release funds to help improve community football facilities and that it would be well received by all football stakeholders.

'At a recent meeting with Mr Khan he expressed to us that, without stronger support from within the game, his offer is being seen as more divisive than it was anticipated.

'Wembley is an iconic venue that is revered around world and it will continue to thrive under the ownership and direction of the FA.

'There has been much deliberation on both sides and it has undoubtedly raised awareness of the issue that community football facilities in England need significant investment.

'We will continue to work together to identify new and innovative ways of investing in community football facilities in the future.'

The statistics would suggest investment in grassroots football is significant. The Premier League, the FA and the government fund the Football Foundation, which would have distributed the money raised by the sale of Wembley to invest in artificial and grass pitches as well as other community facilities.

Over the last 18 years the Premier League have invested £302m into the Football Foundation, with the FA adding £299m and the government £273m.

But it is not enough, and it was why there was support for the sale of Wembley from England manager Gareth Southgate and former FA technical director Howard Wilkinson. Last week Wilkinson described it as a 'once in a lifetime opportunity' when he urged the FA Council to vote in favour.

There was, however, concern among councillors about how the money would be distributed by the Football Foundation, and traditionalists such as Gary Neville opposed the sale, advising a parliamentary committee to consider other funding models.

A statement from the Football Foundation said the deal falling through 'should come as a huge disappointment to community footballers everywhere'.

It added: 'Football participation in this country is huge. Unfortunately, those who play the game as a sport, simply for the love of doing so and for the health benefits, are having to put up with a stock of community football facilities that is in a shameful state.

'This would have been a once in a lifetime opportunity to make considerable inroads into probably the most pressing issue facing football in this country.'



The opposition from the FA Council hasn't been Khan's only headache in the last week. Former Fulham employee Craig Kline has made a series of claims of racism, corruption and fraud at the club, all of which Khan has strenusously denied. Kline, who was assistant director of football until November last year, lodged a claim at the employment tribunal on Wednesday.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-6286645/Shahid-Khan-withdraws-600m-bid-buy-Wembley-backlash.html

WhiteJC

 
Grassroots bodies bemoan collapse of Wembley sale

Shahid Khan's decision to withdraw his offer to buy Wembley has been described as a "huge disappointment" and a missed opportunity by two of the biggest sponsors of grassroots facilities.

The Fulham owner had offered the Football Association £600million in cash for the stadium, as well as letting it keep the Club Wembley hospitality business, worth another £300million.

FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn were both strongly in favour of the deal and wanted to use the money to fix England's dilapidated changing rooms, water-logged pitches and stretched 3G facilities.

They hoped Khan's £600million could be the catalyst for a total investment in community facilities over the next 20 years of £3.3billion, more than double what the Football Foundation and Sport England have been able to do since 2000.

But in separate statements, Glenn admitted the proposed sale had been "more divisive than anticipated", while Khan said it had become clear "there is no definitive mandate to sell Wembley and my current proposal, subsequently, would earn the backing of only a slim majority of the FA Council, well short of the conclusive margin the FA chairman has required".

This has been on the cards ever since last week's council meeting proved just how split football was on the idea, with some seeing it as a gilt-edged opportunity to solve one of football's most expensive problems, while others likened it to selling the family silver and questioned the FA's ability to invest the windfall wisely.

The UK's largest sports charity, the Football Foundation, would have been the vehicle the FA used to pick, manage and fund the projects, as it currently does with the funding it receives from the FA, Premier League and government.

In a statement, it said: "News that Mr Khan has decided to withdraw his offer to buy Wembley should come as a huge disappointment to community footballers everywhere.

"Football participation in this country is huge. Unfortunately, those who play the game, simply for the love of doing so and for the health benefits are having to put up with a stock of community football facilities that is in a shameful state.

"This would have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make considerable inroads into probably the most pressing issue facing football in this country."

Nick Bitel, the chair of Sport England, the government agency that funds grassroots sport, was more measured but his disappointment was equally plain.

"We agree with the view that the Wembley Stadium offer was a huge opportunity to boost funding into the development and maintenance of artificial and grass pitches up and down the country," he said.

"Now that this deal is off the table, we hope the football family will now consider other ways the much-needed additional funds for grassroots facilities can be generated."

Sports minister Tracey Crouch told the BBC she was "very disappointed" but a spokesperson for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport told Press Association Sport it was always "a matter for the FA" and any deal "would have had to further benefit the grassroots game in this country", while the stadium remained the home of English football.

For Clarke, Glenn and Khan, that was exactly what was on the table.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/england/news/grassroots-bodies-bemoan-collapse-of-wembley-sale_338851.html