Council leader wants to bring Uefa champions final back to city

CARDIFF’S council leader has laid out his ambitions for the future, and it includes trying to bring the Champions League final back to the city for a second time.

Huw Thomas revealed the ambition in an interview two months after he became Cardiff council leader – and also revealed Cardiff Bay could also get a permanent “beach” style attraction.

The city’s hosting of the event is believed to have brought more people into the capital on one day than ever before and was widely hailed as a succuess.

However it was criticised by some city busineses who believed that they did not see the full benefit.

In a a 23-page document called “Capital Ambition” laying out his cabinet’s plans, Mr Thomas’ administration reveals it wants to host an event to mark the Football Association of Wales 150th anniversary.

“It could be a return of the Champions League final, the feedback from Uefa has been terrific,” he said.

He said he would not rule out joint bids for other events and echoing comments from Welsh Government secretary Ken Skates, he said he would “be minded” to support a call for Wales to host Euro 2020 games if host Belgium is not ready.

“We have to look at a mix of things,” he said.

The document’s include:

Putting a permanent attraction in Cardiff Bay; ambitions also “beach”