MILLENNIUM STADIUM CLEARS WAY FOR CUP FINAL CHANCE

Millennium Stadium Chief Executive Paul Sergeant said: “The date of Saturday 13 May 2006 is now firmly secured in our diary and we have signed an agreement to that effect.

“The FA have every intention of staging the showcase event at Wembley and we wish all those involved in the construction of Wembley every success. These projects can be very complicated, but it is in everyone’s interests that the new Stadium goes to plan.

“However, it makes perfect business sense for the FA to have a firm back-up venue for the FA Cup Final and this agreement alleviates any pressure on the governing body should Wembley not be ready. This is a case of good planning and good football sense on the part of the FA.

“It would be great to have the FA Cup Final back in Cardiff one more time, and this news is testament to the Millennium Stadium’s success in hosting the past five FA Cup Finals. Football fans, and everyone involved in the game, can rest assured that we will deliver another fantastic day should we get the green light.”