THE keys to Wembley were finally handed over to the Football Association (FA), a year later than planned.
Stadium developers, Multiplex, made the symbolic move on Saturday.
It has not yet been confirmed whether the FA cup final, which is scheduled for May, will be played at the stadium which has not seen any football action for seven years.
Brian Barwick, the FA chief executive, said: "Handover of the keys is a significant step towards staging this year's FA cup final and opening the new Wembley Stadium.
"Wembley National Stadium Ltd and the FA must now stage two successful ramp-up' events in order to gain the safety certificate. We have been preparing for a very long time and are delighted to finally get inside the stadium."
The country's most famous stadium must hold two "ramp up" events before it opens to obtain the safety stamp of approval from Brent Council.
The first event will be this Saturday when 60,000 local residents will enjoy a community fun day.
The second will be an England under-21 international against Italy on March 24.
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