LONDON: Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge will host the UEFA Women’s Champions League final on Thursday, May 23 – two days before the final of the men’s competition at Wembley writes CHRISTIAN RADNEDGE.

Wembley hosted the final in 2011 coincidentally the same year that the women’s final was also in London at Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage.

The Champions League week will be one of the highlight’s of the Football Association’s 150th anniversary year celebrations. London will play host, also that week, to the UEFA annual Congress.

European football’s governing body has appointed former England and Arsenal women’s defender Faye White as the official ambassador for the ‘other’ Champions’ final.

UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino said: “The UEFA Women’s Champions League final showcases the best women’s club football in Europe and Stamford Bridge, home of the men’s 2012 UEFA Champions League winners, is the ideal venue to host this prestigious event.

“UEFA is pleased to be bringing the UEFA Women’s Champions League final back to London for what will be another successful event.”

England and Arsenal ladies legend White said that the event will be the highlight of the European women’s football club calendar. The UEFA Women’s Euro 2013 follows in July in Sweden and the draw for the group stage will take place on Friday in Gothenburg.

She added: “After the fantastic support enjoyed by Hope Powell’s Team GB side at this summer’s Olympics – with over 70,000 going to Wembley to cheer on their victory over Brazil – it’s great to see London hosting another major women’s football event next year.”

England women’s national team coach Powell who was recently shortlisted for FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football 2012 said “To host the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final in a stadium with the history and reputation of Stamford Bridge is fantastic and shows the prestige of this game.”

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