ALMOST 700 police officers will be on duty in and around the stadium -- but there have been concerns about how the operation is going to be paid for.

South Wales Police are planning to adopt a high-profile approach, with officers on most street corners and many central streets closed to traffic.

But they are trying to encourage a friendly, carnival atmosphere, with scores of pubs and restaurants within easy reach of the stadium.

Problems with traffic jams on the way into the city centre at last year's final between Liverpool and Birmingham, have largely been ironed out, and there were few problems during the end-of-season play-offs last year.

And, although officers have liaised with Lancashire Police, they are not expecting a repeat of the trouble when Cardiff City fans and Birmingham supporters used the internet to arrange fights.

However, South Wales Police are struggling to meet the financial demands brought on by the success of the stadium.

The force has received little extra cash from the Home Office to cover the costs involved in policing the events.

The cost of policing inside the ground is recovered from the event organisers.