Wembley welcomes Microsoft cash

Three other founding partners will be announced in due course. The founding partners' names' will not be incorporated in Wembley's title or branding, but they will reap benefits including advertising opportunities inside the new ground, using the stadium in advertising campaigns, access to the facilities for corporate events, and the chance to become Wembley suppliers, in Microsoft's case with technology products.

Microsoft will also be given "unique access" to Wembley's pitch for one day each year. This might allow, for example, Bill Gates and his mates to have a private kickabout on the hallowed turf. More likely, it will allow Microsoft to stage a celebrity event, or product launch.

The agreement will provide much-needed cash for WNSL, the FA-owned subsidiary that is building and will run the 90,000-seat, £757m venue.

If the other "founding partners" - companies including Umbro and Carlsberg are being mooted - also pay similar amounts, the income would represent £21m of new cash available for debt repayments, and at little cost to WNSL.

WNSL already has agreements in place with various second-tier sponsors, including npower (official power supplier to the stadium) and Betfred (official bookmaker).