May 4 – Michel Platini (pictured), the President of UEFA, promised today that Ukraine will remain as co-host of Euro 2012 but warned that if any of the four cities is not fully ready then they would be dropped from the schedule.
The Frenchman made his assurances about Ukraine hosting matches having previously threatened to move their share of matches to another country because of lack of progress in getting ready during his latest visit to Kiev.
During his trip Platini met Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who has taken personal control of the country’s preparations after they were given a two-month deadline in April to get the project back on track.
Yanukovych last month pledged to spend 30 billion hryvnia (£2.5 billion/$3.8 billion) on ensuring that Ukraine is ready to host the tournament, which they are co-hosting with Poland.
Platini said: ”I can assure you that Euro 2012 will take place in Ukraine.
“But I’m waiting for concrete action and a response from the Government regarding the promises made by the President today.
“Over the next two months, Ukraine has to show strong progress.”
Kiev, Lviv, Kharkiv and Donetsk are due to host matches in Ukraine but all face a race against time to be ready in time.
Any that are not will not stage any matches, Platini threatened.
He said: ”I hope that [Euro 2012 matches will be held in four Ukrainian cities].
“We decided to play in four cities.
“But if any city is excluded, then we’ll play in two cities
“Since he [Yanukovych] gave me guarantees, then I think everything will be done.”
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