The fate of England's National Football Centre rests with the game's chiefs and not the government, according to Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell.

The Football Association (FA), which warned it faces tight cash flow because of Wembley's redevelopment, plans to build a huge coaching complex at Burton-on Trent in Staffordshire.

But there are fears its commitment to the �750m cost of the Wembley stadium could threaten the football centre which is due to include 14 pitches and associated facilities.

Planning officials in East Staffordshire said there would be major implications for the area if the centre does not go-ahead.

Tessa Jowell said the government will not intervene

On Wednesday Ms Jowell said she would be concerned if the centre did not get built, but she stressed "it is for the FA to determine, not the government".

She told the BBC's Radio 4 Today programme: "Of course I am concerned at the loss of any money for investment in grassroots sport, but these are very tough decisions.

"These are priorities that it is for the FA to determine, not the government. They are an autonomous governing body."

The minister added: "What I am keen to ensure is that the government's investment of �2bn in sport over the next three years is properly spent."

Grassroots investment

Ms Jowell said there was a desire to see "football investing in grassroots, just as the government is investing in grassroots".

Earlier this month the FA released a statement saying it would be holding a review over a few weeks to ensure it could "fully commit" to the centre, sparking fears about its future.

The statement said: "The national football centre remains a strategically important element of the FA's future strategy and the FA's board fully expects to complete its development at the earliest possible opportunity.

"However, the FA's board will be taking some more time to ensure that, against a range of pressing and important commitments at all levels of the game, the FA is in a position to fully commit to the national football centre at this time."