FA sign Wembley deal

The bulldozers will finally begin demolishing Wembley Stadium in September after the Football Association (FA) signed a 'heads of agreement' deal with German bank Westdeutsche Landesbank.

English football's governing body signed the deal for an estimated £400m loan to build the new stadium. The deal is expected to be completed by mid-August with the stadium due to complete in mid-2005.

The news comes as a disappointment to those who wanted a national stadium in the Midlands or at least to continue the policy of playing England international matches at venues throughout the country, which has proved a success with full houses.

Adam Crosier, the FA chief executive said the cost of the new stadium would cost £358m, but local infrastructure and parking would increase the costs of what will be 'among the finest stadiums in the world.

'There is still much to be done but we have never been more confident that the final details can be worked out,' said Crozier. Details: www.thefa.com