But with the mood of amateur game representatives on the FA council hardening it seems increasingly likely the £600m deal will be scuppered.
Members of the 127-strong council met for three hours at Wembley today to discuss the plan to sell the stadium to Fulham owner Shahid Khan.
Chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn opened the proceedings before chief financial officer Mark Burrows told councillors that the deal, while not necessary, would save the FA £72m in stadium repair bills over the next six weeks.
Within the room, though, there was said to be a number of doubts raised over the accuracy of the information being provided.
Many amateur game representatives are wary of the fine print of the deal, which would see Khan paying £600m up front plus another estimated £300m in future Club Wembley revenues.
Others voiced doubt over the delivery of the planned £500m subsequent investment in nationwide grassroots facilities including pitches and changing rooms.
A full vote of the council will be taken at a “special meeting” on October 24 but with Clarke keen for a full-throated show of support, the mood from within Wembley suggested the plan is close to being dropped for lack of backing.
In a statement, the FA confirmed: “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 Wednesday 24 October for The FA Council members to vote on the potential sale. The FA Board will then take these views into consideration."
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