Michael Cunnah says that a harsh winter could delay the installation of the pitch and foundations.

Wembley Stadium may not be finished in time for the 2006 FA Cup final in May, its chief executive has admitted.

Stadium head Michael Cunnah said he hoped the project would be ready by 31 March so that it could be tested out before the major event on 13 May but “nobody can guarantee it”.

He feared that a harsh winter could delay installing the pitch and foundations at the troubled project.

Contractor Multiplex could lose up to £73m on the project, which overran after a legal dispute with steel contractor Cleveland Bridge. However the firm has drafted in two more M&E firms to speed up work on the scheme. (Building, 11 November 2005)