MILLENNIUM STADIUM AND FAW SIGN NEW DEAL

MS Chairman David Pickering brought in fellow MS board member Lord Faulkner of Worcester, a former deputy chairman of the Football Trust, to help broker the new deal and his expertise played a key role in ensuring the two parties resolved their differences to enable the FIFA 2006 World Cup qualifier between John Toshack’s Welsh side and England to go ahead as planned on 3 September.

“Richard’s wealth of football and negotiating experience not only enabled us to resolve our contractual row regarding costs for recent FAW games staged at the Millennium Stadium, but also allowed both sides to further cement their relationship with a revised deal that removes any potential areas of dispute for the remainder of our partnership,” said Pickering.

“Richard, Alan Hamer, the WRU Group Finance and Administration Manager, and I met with the FAW General Secretary Dave Collins and his Management Board to conclude the matters and both parties are pleased with the outcome.

“It means we both have a better relationship moving forward, the stadium can expect a cheque within seven days and football fans can look forward to coming to the Millennium Stadium on 3 September to watch Wales play England on Welsh soil for the first time in 21 years.

“All sides now have the security they were seeking and, speaking on behalf of the Millennium Stadium, I am delighted that one of our most important tenants has confirmed its commitment to use our world class facilities on a long term basis.”

Under the terms of the new contract, the Millennium Stadium will receive a minimum guarantee from the FAW for hosting each fixture. In return, the Millennium Stadium will provide sales expertise to help the FAW maximise ticket and hospitality revenue.