Only the 1993 and 2000 Semi-Finals, staged at Wembley, have topped this figure, with cumulative crowds of 151,627 and 136,704 respectively.

An FA spokesman said: "The FA Cup Semi-Finals have always had their own special magic, and there have been some classic encounters over the years.

"This weekend we can expect two exciting and highly competitive matches in the best traditions of The Cup, played in the electric and passionate atmosphere that the Millennium Stadium has become known for.

"All four teams will be eager to return to Cardiff on 21 May for the climax of what has been a wonderful FA Cup competition this season.

"The FA Cup is as popular as ever. A record total of 661 teams have taken part, and crowds have flocked to the games.

"The Third and Fourth round weekends, for example, saw the best average attendances for over 20 years. In addition, as many as 8 million TV viewers have been tuning in to some of the games.

"There have also been heroics from some smaller teams, such as Yeading and Exeter City. For clubs enjoying a good Cup run, The FA’s distributions of prize money and broadcast fees have proved a huge financial boost."