Eriksson happy at FA Cup switch

Sven-Goran Eriksson has won his battle to secure a four-week break before the World Cup finals next summer after it was announced yesterday the FA Cup final will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2006, at the new Wembley Stadium.

The FA board had an option to stage the final on May 20 but have agreed on May 13 - as a knock-on effect the end of the Premier League season will be brought forward a week - and in return have had to scrap replays in the FA Cup fifth and sixth rounds for clubs still involved in Europe.

Sides in the UEFA Cup will not be required to play replays in the FA Cup fifth round or quarter-finals, while those in Champions League will not have quarter-final replays and any ties affected will go to extra time and penalties if necessary.

FIFA had allowed the FA special dispensation to play next season's final, the first match at the new Wembley Stadium, on May 20 if necessary but Eriksson has been insistent England need the full four weeks' preparation time before the World Cup that other countries will have.