Platini Blasts Ukraine 2012 Plans
UEFA president Michel Platini has given joint Euro 2012 hosts Ukraine two months to catch up with its preparation schedule.
Ukraine is an estimated five months behind schedule in building new stadiums and infrastructure and Platini has admitted that UEFA is waiting on the assurances of the authorities.
Platini raised concerns that work on the Lviv stadium had stopped whilst the renovation work on Kiev’s Olympic stadium was also behind schedule and was also concerned at the lack of hotels.
‘In Lviv, the stadium is not completed but there are lots of hotels. In Donetsk, there is a fine stadium but for a city that will hold a semi-final there are few hotels,’ said Platini.
He added: ‘The Euros will take place in 2012 and not in 2013. That is why now some decisions have to be taken.’
In reply to Platini’s comments, Euro 2012 minister Borys Kolesnikov has announced government plans to come up with 26 billion hryvnias (£2.2 billion) from the 2010 state budget to help modernise stadiums, develop airport infrastructure and build roads.
