A spokesman said: “Every season we are under pressure to find large neutral Semi-Final venues to maximise the number of fans able to follow their teams. As a venue, Cardiff is currently the largest available to The FA.

“The decision to take the Semi-Finals to Cardiff was publicly announced in September after being approved by The FA Board and Challenge Cup Committee – which includes representation from the professional game and Premier League. Contrary to what has been suggested today, Arsenal Football Club did not ‘force this (decision) through’.

“As Manchester United, Newcastle United and Arsenal have sold over 30,000 tickets each for this weekend’s ties, there is clearly a strong case for providing the largest possible venue – as opposed to one half the size.”

Once the re-building of Wembley Stadium is completed, The FA plans to host all Semi-Finals at the new stadium from season 2006-2007.