Jacksonville, FL — Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan's bid to buy Wembley Stadium in London is another step closer to reality.
That's as the English FA's board-- which serves as the governing body of association football in England-- gave its approval for the $800 million deal. But, the deal is far from settled, as it now goes on to another vote in front of the full FA council on October 11th.
The Director of Public Relations for the Jags, Tad Dickman, released a statement from Khan on Twitter, again stating this deal does not lessen his commitment to Jacksonville. Instead, he says it clears the way for long-term sustainability in the city.
"... the Jaguar's investment in London as our home away from home, at a time when other NFL teams are becoming more interested in the UK, will be protected and enhanced. And here in Jacksonville, our footing as a small-market NFL franchise will be significantly strengthen by the new local revenue streams that we will be able to count on well into the future," says Khan in that statement.
[ Khan has always insisted he will not move the Jaguars, pushing back on rampant speculation. ]
Instead, Khan says he will continue to push for re-developing downtown Jacksonville and bringing the city's first Super Bowl victory parade down Bay Street.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS OWNER SHAD KHAN’S FULL STATEMENT: