Platini: Ukraine will not lose Euro 2012 16 Apr 2009

UEFA president Michel Platini has dismissed speculation that Ukraine could lose the right to jointly host Euro 2012 over doubts about whether its Olympic Stadium will be ready in time.

Platini had previously criticised sluggish work progress and warned the two countries that they risked losing the tournament hosting should it continue. “It will be impossible for Ukraine to lose the championship,” Platini said. “I have listened to the guarantees of the Ukrainian government and I feel the stadium will be ready by 2011. I don't think there are any concerns about that.” Legal wrangling over the demolition of a shopping centre adjacent to Kiev's Olympic Stadium delayed work for more than six months, and the western city of Lviv has had problems finding designers and contractors for its stadium. There have also been concerns about the Ukraine’s progress on building motorways, extra airport terminals and enough hotels to accommodate the influx of fans for the tournament. Platini is currently on a two-day visit to the Ukraine and co-hosts Poland to assess the preparations of the two countries.