The FA Cup has been staged twice in Cardiff

But Griffiths told members of the Assembly's Culture Committee that the stadium is a viable business, making "a small profit" and so "won't go bust".

It is estimated that the various sporting and musical events staged at the stadium bring �52m into city and south Wales every year.

Griffiths said: 'But I'm now being criticised as chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union and treasurer of the WRU of taking the Union into significant debt.

"I get very angry about the lack of support we get for our national sport."

Griffiths criticised the Assembly for providing only �46m in grants towards the construction of the Millennium Stadium.

He compared that figure with a �28m grant for the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor and �84m in grants for the Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

He also calimed the Rugby Football Union received substantial backing from the UK Government.

Business plan

In reply, Assembly culture minister Jenny Randerson said the financial support given to the Ryder Cup was a different matter.

That money would be spent on prize money and golf development rather than on the venue itself.

And she added the Assembly would need to see detailed business plans before providing any money to help the Millennium Stadium to host more major sporting events.