Roy Hodgson backs FA to handle sale of Wembley Stadium after Shahid Khan bid

The former England manager Roy Hodgson has backed Shahid Khan’s bid for Wembley Stadium a positive for the game, but has told how crucial it would be to keep national games at the stadium in the future.

The English FA confirmed on Thursday afternoon that they had received a mega-money bid, reported to be in the region of £800m. The move would see the current the current Fulham owner assume control of the stadium.

Hodgson, speaking ahead Crystal Palace’s game with Leicester City this weekend, told how the if the bid is handled in the best possible way, that it could well benefit the game as a whole.

He said: “I think that if the FA have made a deal, it will be for the right reasons. And that money would be spent in the right way to help our football in England.”

The purchasing of the stadium could potentially see the England team play more games away from Wembley, which Hodgson said would be an advantage. However, the 70-year-old expressed how crucial it was for Wembley to remain as the home of the Three Lions.

“I enjoyed Wembley like managers before me and I would be disappointed if that was the end of England at Wembley, but I don’t think that will be the case,” Hodgson said. “If a couple of games are taken around the country, I don’t see that as a negative.

“I am a massive supporter of England playing there, but I also have faith in the FA.”

With the news of the bid breaking on Thursday afternoon, Shahid Khan was quick to release a statement on Fulham’s website confirming that Wembley would remain the home of the England national team.

He said: “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.”