The Football Association has given the go-ahead for the proposed National Football Centre at Burton-on-Trent.

The project has been given the green light despite financial pressures which are likely to force a slight delay.

The FA has had to consider different methods of helping to fund the �80m scheme, such as sponsorship or taking out a mortgage on the property.

The centre has been modelled on the French academy at Clairefontaine and the FA's aim is to give English football a training headquarters to rival the world.

However, despite earlier fears that the centre may have to be delayed or even scrapped, leading FA figures were keen to stress their commitment to it after Thursday's executive board meeting.

The FA will consider a revised schedule for the completion of building works as soon as possible FA statement

Following a presentation, the board revealed in a statement: "It was unanimously agreed to proceed with the development of the National Football Centre as soon as possible.

"This will mean completing the initial landscaping works for pitches, utilities, drainage, infrastructure and ongoing estate management according to the current plan for practical completion at the end of May 2004.

"The FA will consider a revised schedule for the completion of building works as soon as possible."

The FA are seeking a replacement for Adam Crozier

Planning permission has already been been granted at the Burton site and the necessary pre-building work carried out including the laying of pitches.

The FA is confident that any delay to the centre, which will be the base not only for all England teams but also their youth development and medical work, should be minimal.

The FA board was also told that initial interviews for a new chief executive to replace Adam Crozier would begin shortly.