Champions Leabue Finals Should Come To Wembley - Teather

11.56.33am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th May 2008

Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather has called for the 2011 Champions League final to come to Wembley following the Government's U-turn on tax status for footballers playing for foreign clubs.

The national stadium had submitted a bid to stage the 2010 final but lost out to Madrid after European football's governing body UEFA said Gordon Brown had refused to guarantee the foreign side's tax status. After the 2010 decision UEFA President Michael Platini said "Wembley is an outstanding venue but yes the reason [Wembley was not awarded the 2010 final] was tax."

This week the Treasury wrote to the FA clarifying their position on players playing for foreign clubs.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"In Wembley, the whole of Brent has a stadium to be proud of. Wembley is famous as the spiritual home of football not just in England but all over the world.

"Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling's flip-flopping on tax has caused chaos. The Prime Minister needs to stop dithering and send out a clear message for Wembley for 2011.

"It is about time Europe's most prestigious event was brought to Europe's most prestigious venue. The Labour Government should back the bid for us to host the 2011 Champions League final."