The FA has rejected Arsenal’s appeal for their FA Cup semi final match to be played at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, and confirmed that the venues remain as Villa Park and Old Trafford.
However the FA did agree to Arsenal’s request that the match be moved forward 24 hours, and played on Saturday 3rd April.
The Manchester – Arsenal tie will be broadcast on BBC TV with a kick off time of either 12 noon or 12.15pm.
Sunderland’s tie with either Millwall or Tranmere will be on Sunday 4th April kicking off at 1pm, and will be live on Sky Sports.
The FA statement read “The match has been brought forward to the Saturday in order to help the clubs prepare for possible Champions League quarter-finals the following Tuesday or Wednesday. The choice of Old Trafford and Villa Park as semi-final venues was made by the FA Challenge Cup committee prior to Monday’s Cup draw. In the light of the draw, The FA considered whether Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium would be a suitable option for either or both Semi-Finals, but having given full consideration to the logistical implications, it was decided that Old Trafford and Villa Park were the best options”.
