Source:
REUTERS/HANNAH MCKAY
[Saba
Sports News] According to British media reports, the British government is
expected to reject the request for public funding for Manchester United’s new
home project. The newly appointed head of Manchester United’s football
department, James Ratcliffe, had requested public funds from the British
government to construct a new national stadium in northern England, which would
serve as the club’s new home ground. However, Ratcliffe’s proposal to have the
UK government finance the project has faced criticism from two former British
sports ministers. Insiders from Whitehall, the administrative headquarters of
the UK government, have indicated that clubs will most likely have to bear the
responsibility of funding stadium developments themselves. The issue has been
particularly sensitive in northwest England, as Everton Football Club is
self-financing its new stadium and has incurred substantial debts in the
process. A government source has stated that public investment could only be
utilized for redevelopment projects surrounding the area, rather than for the
stadium itself. As a result, it is expected that the British government will
decline to provide public funds for Manchester United’s new home project.