The turf at the showcase sports ground has been damaged by recent games and bad weather.

Following a visit from FA officials on Tuesday, concerns were expressed about the condition of the playing surface.

As a result, work to repair the pitch will begin on Thursday and should be completed within three days.

A new pitch has already been grown in York and will be flown to Wales in time for Thursday.

FA Head of Communications Paul Newman said: "The pitch will be relaid because of serious damage caused by matches played on it at the weekend and the inclement weather conditions.

"It is important that the surface is right for the players, the fans and the watching millions on television."

Sunday's LDV Vans Trophy final between Port Vale and Brentford left the surface badly cut up - largely because the ground became waterlogged because the retractable roof has been stuck since the Principality Cup semi finals more than a week ago.

The FA was keen to stress that the problems with the pitch were not unique to Cardiff, however.

Crowd control

Many of England's leading club grounds including Anfield and Old Trafford have suffered because of the wet winter.

FA officials also discussed a number of other issues surrounding the Cup final, including transport arrangements and crowd control.

The eyes of the sporting world will be on Cardiff in May when the prestigious final between Liverpool and Arsenal will be held at the stadium - the first time the event has been played away from Wembley since 1922.