Rate it!

1 votes

Political instability in Ukraine will not affect UEFA's decision whether that country and Poland will be able to stage Euro 2012.

The collapse of Ukraine's ruling coalition this month has put extra strain on the countries ahead of a UEFA meeting to discuss a progress report on their ability to co-host the event.

"No, it won't play any part in the decision because we have personal assurances from the Prime Minister and deputy Prime Minister that no matter whoever is the coalition or leader, each political power supports Euro 2012 preperations," Polish FA president Michal Listkiewicz told Reuters.

"In two or three months everything will be ok. A political crisis can happen in any country at any time. The political situation has nothing to with our preparations," he added on the margins of a two-day UEFA executive meeting in Bordeaux.

The Euro 2012 report will be discussed in detail by the executive on Friday morning.

"I have seen this report. It's confidential, but I am sure it will be very objective and show a big progress in many areas," Listkiewicz said.

UEFA sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters that the report would criticise a lack of progress in both countries, but both would retain the right to host the finals.

They said the report would not touch on the current political problems in Ukraine, although some members had expressed concern about the situation and an ongoing rift with neighbouring Russia.

"Let's just say UEFA members are paying very close attention and are anxious that this situation resolves itself as quick as possible," one source said.

Former Communist Ukraine backed Georgia in that country's recent conflict with Russia and has angered Moscow over its aspirations to join the European Union and NATO.

"In the run up to Euro 2004, there were many changes to the Portuguese government and many political problems. But this turned out ok," Listkiewicz said.

UEFA president Michel Platini has visited Poland and Ukraine twice this year and warned officials they risked losing the event if stadiums and infrastructure were not ready.

The two beat off Italy and a joint bid by Hungary and Croatia to host the tournament but have struggled to tackle the colossal tasks of upgrading stadiums and modernising airports, rail and road networks and hotels.

"After the intervention by the UEFA president we have made a big step forward in the past few months," said Listkiewicz.

"Many areas are not ready yet such as airports, hotels and internal transportation like rail and roads. But we have plenty of time."

Reuters