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·The FA Cup Final looks set to be moved to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for three seasons, including next May's showpiece event.
Chelsea's victory over Aston Villa in last May's final was the last to be staged between the twin towers, after the event had been held at the venue since 1923.
Due to the redevelopment of the Stadium, a number of grounds had been considered as venues, including Old Trafford and other Premiership grounds.
However, in order for the final to remain at a neutral stadium, the 73,000-capacity Millennium Stadium has emerged as the first choice to host the event between 2001 and 2003.
The announcement was made at the end of the FA's three-day conference in Torquay, with executive director David Davies saying: "The Millennium Stadium has established itself very quickly as a special venue.
"While the new Wembley is being created, it would be, we believe, as appropriate setting for the FA Cup final. I am sure our sponsors would be delighted if we could reach an agreement with our friends in Cardiff.
Although there are believed to be a number of outstanding questions to be answered before completing the deal, Davies added: "We have already had the stadium assessed, and all he reports are positive."
Chelsea's victory over Aston Villa in last May's final was the last to be staged between the twin towers, after the event had been held at the venue since 1923.
Due to the redevelopment of the Stadium, a number of grounds had been considered as venues, including Old Trafford and other Premiership grounds.
However, in order for the final to remain at a neutral stadium, the 73,000-capacity Millennium Stadium has emerged as the first choice to host the event between 2001 and 2003.
The announcement was made at the end of the FA's three-day conference in Torquay, with executive director David Davies saying: "The Millennium Stadium has established itself very quickly as a special venue.
"While the new Wembley is being created, it would be, we believe, as appropriate setting for the FA Cup final. I am sure our sponsors would be delighted if we could reach an agreement with our friends in Cardiff.
Although there are believed to be a number of outstanding questions to be answered before completing the deal, Davies added: "We have already had the stadium assessed, and all he reports are positive."