Granting Poland and Ukraine the rights to co-host the Euro 2012 soccer championship was a risky move as the two lack experience in hosting big sports events, UEFA President Michel Platini was recently quoted as saying. Since being chosen to co-host the event, both countries have been criticised repeatedly for the slow progress in updating the antiquated infrastructure and delays in building stadiums.

"We should remember that the two states so far have no experience in organising such events. That's why it is a great adventure for us, although a bit risky," Platini said in an interview.

In December one of Poland's host cities, Wroclaw, scrapped a deal with Mostostal Warszawa on stadium construction because of delays. Platini said he believed Wroclaw would be ready on time and had not considered moving matches away from the city.

"I am not considering such a scenario because the information I am getting from Wroclaw shows it's just a change of the builder. Yes, the timing of opening of the new stadium will change, but it will not be a dangerous postponement," he said. "The stadium was supposed to be ready at the end of 2010 and it will be delayed by a few months."

Wroclaw' mayor said after announcing his decision to scrap the deal with Mostostal that the new stadium would be ready to meet UEFA time deadlines.

See also:

Back to Main News Page

EuropaProperty’s Back to Business Investment Forum to be opened by Warsaw’s Vice President

A new beginning for Warsaw’s Próżna Street

Dvintsev Business Center welcomes United Bakers