Football: Banks opposes Arsenal's Wembley plan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The sports minister, Tony Banks, yesterday opposed Arsenal's proposal to move to Wembley Stadium if plans to redevelop their own ground at Highbury are blocked.
Banks insisted that the suggestion could damage England's chances of hosting the 2006 World Cup. He also warned Wembley Stadium Ltd that the pounds 240m project to transform the 75-year-old venue into the new National Stadium by the year 2002 could be abandoned if Arsenal's proposal goes ahead.
"There can't be any question of Arsenal playing at Wembley," Banks said. "We don't provide public money to provide Premier League clubs with new facilities. Lottery funds have been earmarked for a stadium which will serve English national teams, including football, rugby league and athletics events. It will be a key component of bids to attract the World Cup in 2006, future Olympics and other international events to this country."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments