Wembley National Stadium Limited [WNSL] can confirm that construction firm Multiplex have handed over the keys to the stadium.

The stadium must now host two ‘ramp-up’ events of up to 60,000 capacity in order to test facilities and obtain a General Safety Certificate from the London Borough of Brent.

However, The FA are unable to confirm that The FA Cup Final will take place at Wembley Stadium on 19 May until the 'ramp-up' events and safety procedures are concluded.

The first ‘ramp-up’ event will be a Community Day primarily for local Brent residents to visit and view the new 90,000 capacity Wembley Stadium. This will take place on Saturday, 17 March and all tickets have already been allocated.

The FA confirmed today that the second ‘ramp-up’ event will be an England Under-21 International against Italy on Saturday 24 March, kick off at 12.30pm. Tickets will be £10 each and go on sale at 3pm on Monday 12 March.

FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick said: "Handover of the keys is a significant step towards staging this year’s FA Cup Final and opening the new Wembley Stadium.

"WNSL and The FA must now stage two successful ‘ramp-up’ events in order to gain the safety certificate. We have been preparing for a very long time and are delighted to finally get inside the stadium."

WNSL Managing Director Alex Horne said: "We have a lot of detailed work still to do and will continue post-handover to work with Multiplex and their sub-contractors to finalise all aspects of the stadium and bring it to life."

"We look forward to welcoming our neighbours through the turnstiles for the Community Day and are delighted to welcome the England Under-21 team to play the first game on the hallowed turf."