It was an error to give Ukraine Euro 2012 but we are stuck with them now admit UEFA

By Duncan Mackay in Paris

March 21 – Ukraine should not have been chosen to host next year’s European Championships, UEFA President Michel Platini has admitted but conceded that they have to see it through now.

The build-up to the event has been overshadowed by delays ever since UEFA chose Ukraine’s joint bid with Poland ahead of Italy and Croatia/Hungary four years ago and there continues to be problems.

UEFA secretary general Gianni Infantino confirmed here today that there were more delays in the completion of the stadums in Kiev and Lviv and that they will miss their June deadlines.

“Poland is fine but we are having problems in Ukraine,” said Infantino after a meeting of UEFA’s Executive Board.

He tried to put a brave face on the situation and claimed that it would not affect the tournament next year.

“They will be ready by October at the latest, there will be sufficient time to test them from the month of October,” he said.

“We knew that it wasn’t going to be easy.

“I count on the promises of the Ukrainian Government.

“But in the end it will be a magnificent celebration of European football.”

Platini, though, sounded worn down by the whole build-up.

“It was perhaps an error to have given it to them, but we gave it to them,” he said.

“That’s what we decided so now we must face the challenge.

“But we’re suffering a lot.

“We know that if suffering starts at the very beginning it will continue till the end of the Championships.

“But everything will be all right and people who go to Ukraine for the championships will have fun.

“Contrary to 2010 World Cup in South Africa, it will be nice and hot.

“So everyone can expect great holiday.”

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