Soccer: Millennium stadium to host Charity Shield

The Millennium Stadium will host the Charity Shield in August between Manchester United and Liverpool, the Football Association confirmed today.

The governing body made the announcement following a ‘‘sensational’’ FA Cup final yesterday in Cardiff.

Such was the success of the event, it looks certain to be played in the Principality again next May.

The FA are to hold talks with the stadium authorities in the next couple of days to discuss yesterday’s showpiece.

‘‘The signs are very promising that we will return next year,’’ said FA spokesman Paul Newman.

‘‘We have already decided that the Charity Shield will go ahead as planned in August in Cardiff.

‘‘Cardiff and the whole of Wales did us proud yesterday. The important thing is that it felt right.

‘‘Talking to the players afterwards, they thought it was a great stadium and a great atmosphere. It was a sensational Cup final.’’

FA chief executive Adam Crozier gave the Millennium Stadium nine out of ten.

‘‘Given that we never have perfection you’ve come close to it,’’ he told Wales on Sunday.

‘‘I don’t think you will find a fan in this stadium who would argue with the quality of the event.

‘‘I am absolutely delighted with the way the final has gone, the occasion and the atmosphere of the game.’’

Wales rugby union chairman Glanmor Griffiths added: ‘‘For those people who doubted our ability to stage this game, I have three choice words: ‘You were wrong’.’’