The stadium is currently ahead of schedule and should open early in 2006, with the first game to be staged expected to be a friendly between the England national side and top-level opponents.
However, the English Football Association is keen the venue becomes established quickly on the international scene, and hopes UEFA will grant it the right to host the 2007 Champions League final.
The old Wembley Stadium, demolished last year, held five European Cup finals.
Said Wembley National Stadium Ltd’s CEO, Michael Cunnah: “We have informed UEFA we intend to bid for the Champions League final at the earliest opportunity – 2007 is our target.”
Last week, following UEFA Executive Committee meetings, UEFA awarded the 2005 Champions League final to the 80,000-capacity Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. The UEFA Cup Final that year will be held in the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal.
It also confirmed it had launched the tender process for the selection of an agency for the marketing of the commercial rights for the Champions League, for the 2006-2009 seasons.
The contract is currently held by long-time UEFA partners, TEAM Marketing.
Agencies interested in the contract should contact UEFA to request an invitation to tender.
