In all matches organised by The FA, these decisions are reached in conjunction and consultation with the competing clubs, the venues concerned and the local police forces.

Consultation took place with the three London clubs still competing in this year's competition before the Semi-Final draw was made.

The three clubs informed The FA that their preference would be to stage a Semi-Final at the largest possible venue to enable the maximum number of their supporters to attend the matches.

Once the draw was made it was agreed by all parties that Villa Park and Old Trafford would be the venues.

Both these stadia are of larger capacity than any possible London venue. The clubs will each get approximately 18,000 tickets for Villa Park and over 30,000 for Old Trafford.

The decision was reached, in consultation with all parties, to confirm the venues prior to the Sixth Round Replay between Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic on 12 April.

It would be impossible to arrange a match of this importance in the 11-day period between the replay and the Semi-Final. It was agreed that the Chelsea v Liverpool fixture would take place at Old Trafford.

This match had to be played on Saturday 22 April due to Manchester United's potential Premiership fixture with Middlesbrough on Sunday 23 April at the same ground.

The second Semi-Final (West Ham United v Middlesbrough or Charlton Athletic) had to be scheduled on Sunday 23 April due to a potential UEFA Cup Semi-Final for Middlesbrough on the prior Thursday evening.