Wales looks to host more major sporting events

Wales’ deputy first minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has said talks have begun over the possibility of Cardiff hosting the Uefa Champions League Final.

The announcement comes with the launch of the country’s first Major Events Strategy yesterday. The Strategy aims to build on opportunities which may arise from Newport staging this year’s Ryder Cup golf tournament, and Wales is now looking to host other major sporting events in the future.

Wyn Jones said: “Wales is now delivering the Ryder Cup on behalf of a continent and going forward we will work with Welsh, UK and International federations to realise the huge untapped potential that remains in other sporting events as well as in artistic and cultural genres.

“The Rugby World Cup in 1999 got the ball rolling and our partners at Wales Rugby Union and the Millennium Stadium are now the custodians of one of the most dramatic, versatile and enjoyable major events locations in the world.”

Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium hosted six FA Cup finals between 2001 and 2006 and will host Olympic football as part of the 2012 London Games.