The first Semi-Final will kick off at 5.15pm on Saturday 16 April 2005, with the second Semi-Final the following day at 4pm. The BBC and Sky Sports will each broadcast one Semi-Final live.

This is the first time that the Millennium Stadium has been selected as The FA Cup Semi-Final venue. With a capacity of 74,525, it is significantly larger than both Villa Park (42,602) and Old Trafford (68,210) which have hosted the Semi-Finals in recent years.

An FA spokesman said: "Taking the Semi-Finals to Cardiff will ensure that the Semi-Finals are played at a neutral venue and that the maximum number of fans are able to attend what are always great occasions.

"The Millennium Stadium has been a wonderful venue for The FA Cup Final since 2001, with a unique atmosphere for players and supporters alike."