UK FA CEO calls for cash raid on sports betting industry to fund plan for grass-roots game after Wembley stadium deal collapse
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Martin Glenn, the Football Association chief executive, is calling for a cash raid on the booming sports gambling industry as part of his alternative funding plan for the grass-roots game after the collapse of the £600 million Wembley deal.
In his most extensive interview since American billionaire Shahid Khan dramatically withdrew his offer, Glenn welcomed The Daily Telegraph proposals to raise income from football betting as he revealed the FA was now exploring a so-called “fair return” – potentially worth tens of millions every year.
He said that the British FA was working on a digital database of millions of players to ensure county chiefs could reduce paperwork. In an additional proposal to raise money for artificial pitches, he suggested local authorities could benefit from planning agreements with developers.
Glenn had faced criticism for failing to win the support of the FA’s 127-member council before Khan withdrew his offer, citing the “divisive” atmosphere last week. Reflecting on the loss of a windfall potentially worth £1.5 billion after investments, Glenn said that helping the grass roots was one of his major reasons for joining the FA.
