On her visit she confirmed that Wembley will be the centre piece for Olympic football if the bid is successful.

Ms Cassani was in no doubt that that it would provide a glamorous state-of-the art showpiece and provide London’s bid with an iconic brand, recognised across the world.

Describing Wembley as one of the London Bid's crown jewels, Miss Cassani said: "Wembley has a tremendous history, not just in the football world, but also in the Olympic world.

"In 1948 this was the site where the Games were held and so it has a special place in the Olympic movement.

"To be able to link the past with the future and to the 2012 Games gives our bid a tremendous resonance."

During her visit she surveyed the construction site from the public concourse that fans will walk round when the stadium opens its doors for the first time in 2006.

She also saw the 133 metre high arch, which is nearly ready to be lifted into place.

Wembley CEO Michael Cunnah (pictured above) gave Cassani a personal tour of the site and a presentation of the stadium’s facilities.

He told us: "Wembley is on time and on budget. This project shows that London can deliver world-class facilities.

"The Olympics are precisely the kind of event for which Wembley is being built. "