Wembley to host 2011 European Cup final

(GETTY IMAGES)

The most prestigious match in European club football will return to Wembley following a 19-year absence after Uefa chose the stadium to host the 2011 European Cup final.

The Republic of Ireland is also to host its first major European club final after Dublin's Lansdowne Road was chosen as the venue for the 2011 Europa League final – the new name for the Uefa Cup. Munich will stage the European Cup final in 2012 and Bucharest's National Stadium the Europa League final in that year.

The Football Association chairman, Lord Triesman, said: "We are delighted that Uefa have chosen Wembley Stadium to stage the Champions League final in 2011. This is fantastic news for London and the UK and is acknowledgement of Wembley's ranking alongside the very best football stadiums in the world. Wembley is a stadium for the big games and has a unique history that is sure to inspire Europe's finest players."

Wembley's win is Arsenal's loss – the Emirates Stadium had been up against Lansdowne Road for the Europa League showpiece. However, one nation cannot stage both Uefa finals in the same year. Lord Triesman explained: "As Wembley has been chosen to host the Champions League final, this means the Emirates can't stage the 2011 Europa League final. I would like to thank everyone at Arsenal for all their valuable support during the bid."