Ukrainian cities doubtful for Euro 2012

Ukraine’s role in the 2012 UEFA European Championship (EURO 2012) has been placed in serious doubt this week.

The tournament is scheduled to be hosted in both Ukraine (Kiev, Donetsk, Lviv, and Kharkiv) and Poland (Warsaw, Poznan, Wroclaw, and Gdansk), with the final being held at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.

However, following a meeting in Bucharest yesterday the UEFA Executive Committee issued a statement confirming only the four Polish cities and Kiev as hosts.

A review of the Ukrainian host cities revealed serious shortcomings in the stadiums, transport infrastructure, and hotel accommodations. Donetsk, Lviv, and Kharkiv have until November 30 to prove their suitability as host cities. Furthermore, Kiev was not confirmed as the venue for the final.

Should the Ukrainian cities not meet the UEFA’s criteria by the deadline they will not be appointed host cities, throwing the organisation of the tournament into disarray.

Tags: Euro 2012, Olympic Stadium, UEFA