By Andrew Warshaw
February 16 – Poland’s new $641 million (£409 million/€493 million) National Stadium, the jewel in the country’s Euro 2012 preparations, may not be ready to stage its showpiece inaugural fixture, a friendly against Portugal on February 29.
Last weekend’s Polish Super Cup was moved because of ongoing safety concerns and the Stadium manager, Rafal Kapler, was forced out this week less than four months before the joint hosts are due to stage the opening game of the tournament against Greece.
Kapler reportedly came under fire because of constant construction delays.
Warsaw is due to stage four other games at Euro 2012, including the second semi-final.
Most of the adverse publicity in terms of Euro 2012 infrastructure has, until now, focused on Ukraine.
But the Olympic Stadium in Kiev is already operational.
Asked what would happen if he could not lead the team out in the Polish capital against Portugal, national coach Franciszek Smuda told reporters: “We would play in Wroclaw, but I would prefer to play in Warsaw, finally.”
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