UEFA concerned by Euro 2012 progress

UEFA have admitted to worries over the lack of progress made by Euro 2012 hosts Poland and Ukraine, but played down suggestions that the tournament could be moved.

European football’s governing body cited the political problems in both countries — who were named joint hosts in April last year — as the cause of the delays and called for their respective governments to act.

“We had an independent report done and we also sent experts out to these countries because we were concerned at the slow progress, mainly caused by the political situation,” said UEFA general secretary David Taylor shortly after a meeting in Zagreb.

“In the last six months, there has been political instability due to elections.

“We have a need to see a true government mobilisation in terms of the significant infrastructure deficits which are in Poland and Ukraine, in terms of stadia, transport system, accommodations and health system.

“We have concerns because of the timescale involved. Four years might seem a long time but not for the changes that need to take place.”

Senior officials from the Polish and Ukraine Football Associations were present at yesterday’s meeting and have accepted UEFA’s plan as a way to proceed.

“Now that we have commitments, we need to go full steam ahead,” said Taylor. “Shortly after the end of Euro 2008, we will be able to review the progress made for the 2012 European Championships.

Should Poland and Ukraine fail to satisfy a review in six months’ time, Taylor admitted UEFA might consider moving the tournament elsewhere.

However, Italy, who finished runners-up in the bid to host the event, would not get priority, he said.