FA chief's Webley statement

Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick today released the following statement regarding this year’s FA Cup Final:

“I can confirm tody that this season’s FA Cup Final will be held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on May 13.

“I can also confirm that England’s pre-World Cup games against Hungary and Jamaica – previously scheduled for Wembley – will now be held at Old Trafford.

“The FA has taken these decisions after meeting with Wembley chief executive Michael Cunnah and Multiplex’s managing director Martin Tidd, following a site visit to the stadium yesterday.

“The FA took the prudent step of booking the Millennium Stadium as a back-up option to Wembley last August, therefore allowing us to extend this decision as long as possible and giving Multiplex every chance of making the May 13 date.

“It is clear that, while they have over 3,500 people working hard on the site, Multiplex and indeed WNSL are unable to give us 100% certainty that the stadium will be completed in time for the FA Cup Final.

“Due to the magnitude of the Cup Final, we are not prepared to compromise or take any risks on the stadium being unable to stage such a significant event.

“We felt it was important to clarify the situation for everyone connected with the game in this country – especially for those teams and their supporters still in the FA Cup.

“Multiplex and WNSL remain committed to delivering the stadium at the earliest possible date.

“I would like to emphasise that WNSL have a fixed-price contract with constructors Multiplex. The total project cost remains £757m (€1.1bn).

“We should remember that, when finished, Wembley will be world-class. The stadium – with its magnificent arch – will host many Cup Finals and England internationals for decades to come.”