Wembley to host 2013 Champions League Final

[pauliewalnuts]

Strange decision. Unless you follow my (somewhat paranoid) thinking that UEFA want to bury the FA Cup Final once and for all.

Apparently the final this year is the biggest money spinner UEFA have ever had, by some distance, so they're sending it there again, on the pretence  that it is about the FA's 150th anniversary, and definitely not about absolutely coining it in again.

I'm a bit disappointed, really, though. I'd have preferred a trip to the Nou Camp or somewhere to see Eck's boys lift the big cup again, but a home draw isn't too bad

[dave.woodhall]

Was it Nev on here who said the Champions League had eaten the League Cup, the UEFA Cup and the FA Cup was next on its list?

[garyfouroaks]

UEFA must have been pleased with wembley hosting it this season to give it to them again.

When UEFA pick a host stadium they have a few key criteria. Firstly, the stadium has to be easily accessible from Switzerland.Secondly the host city should have excellent hotels and restaurants and a repuation as a world class destination to keep the delegates amused.Thirdly the stadium should have as big a capacity as possible because they keep the gate money. Fourthly the possibility that the Stadium should offer a home game for the finalist counts against it, but is not a deal-breaker if the other criteria are met.

Wembley/London scores higher than any other stadium in that checklist. Apparently serious consideration is being given to offering it to Wembley on a bi-annual basis.

[DB]

Was it Nev on here who said the Champions League had eaten the League Cup, the UEFA Cup and the FA Cup was next on its list?

The UEFA cup is it's own worst enemy, isn't it something like 26 games to win it? It need slimming down - just make it a basic knock out comp.