I think these “FA director” comments are being blown up into something they’re not...

It looks like all this came from this Q and A with FA Chairman Greg Clarke:

https://www.thefa.com/news/2018/may/24/g...fer-240518

And this is the key bit:

“The Jacksonville Jaguars have been long term users of Wembley stadium for one or more of their regular season matches over a number of years. As that relationship has developed they have made no secret of their ambition to bring the franchise to London. They have always had a great experience of playing at Wembley stadium and the conversation about what long term options were available has evolved.”

Let’s assume this report of the Q&A is accurate..(it’s from the FA’s own website so think we can be sure it’s genuine)

To start with, he does lose some credibility with his line about us playing “one or more” games at Wembley in previous seasons. We have never played more than one.

But the key for me is what he means by “bring the franchise to London”

People have assumed this means move the team to London, but it could also simply mean there is a (well known) desire to bring the team to London for the ONE game a season.

If he meant the Franchise was relocating, it would be nonsense to say the Jaguars “have made no secret of their ambition” when they have NEVER openly said it is their ambition.

I’m not getting worried by this.

He does later say “ If the Jaguars move permanently to London the autumn internationals will be taken around the country which will enable more supporters to watch the team.” But I don’t think this is anything more than a vague “this may happen one day”.

And I see John Oehser (who usually reports the Jaguars take on things) is dismissing Clarke’s comments as being uninformed.

https://www.jaguars.com/news/o-zone-rats-rats-rats

And this is the statement Clarke gave FA members:

http://www.thefa.com/news/2018/may/29/ma...cil-290518


Worth mentioning there seems to be some opposition from FA members to the sale.

And it’s also been reported that English football clubs want some of the proceeds to come there way, if the stadium is sold.

Whatever, Clarke says it will be at least the autumn before any decision is made.

---