Euro 2012 in Ukraine or not? - Translation of a dpa article

[janic]

Source: http://www.sueddeutsche.de/h5Q38w/2995366/Der-Praesident-blockiert.html

The president blocks

Kiev / Moscow (DPA) - The financing of the European football championship in 2012 in the Ukraine is again absolutely open after a word of president Viktor Yushtchenko. The head of state has blocked with his veto a law according to which the national bank should pay 880 million euros for the Euro 2012 reported media in Kiev. Yushtchenko fears according to own words that the money could be used for a purpose not intended. The European football union (Uefa) had criticized several times a sluggish preparation of the tournament in the former Soviet republic. Co-organizer of the Euro 2012 is Poland.

The decision of the president comes unexpectedly, after he had demanded a quicker release of funds for the EM in June in a dramatic appeal to the parliament. As a result the Supreme Rada in spite of the finance problems of the country had granted the money above all for the removal of stadions, airports and streets. Uefa president Michel Platini had recently reminded that from all Ukrainian applicants currently only the capital of Kiev is able to carry out Euro2012-matches in three years.

According to Platini the applying towns in Ukraine have time only till the end of November to comply with the requirements. The Uefa-executive committee wants to finally decide on the host's towns for 2012 during a meeting on the 10th/11th of December in Portugal. As an organizer's alternative for the Ukraine Platini had already brought Germany into the discussion. However, this is not supported by coorganizer Poland. Observers in Kiev also see a struggle for power between Juschtschenko and his domestic rival, head of the government Julia Timoschenko, as a reason for the constant problems.

Thought it might be of interest for some of the members.

Any bets?

j.

[ECOCKS]

I don't see any way that UA will be prepared for this. If it goes through my prediction is that between the corruption and the generally poor impression of Ukraine that will be presented to tourists, it would be in their best interests to step back and ask to do it in 6 or 8 years. Equally, I am surprised that the EUFA cannot see this lack of preparation as serious and award the whole thing to Poland and let overflow (say 2 sets) go to Germany next door.

[janic]

I don't see any way that UA will be prepared for this.

I agree.

Equally, I am surprised that the EUFA cannot see this lack of preparation

I'm pretty shure they DO see it. Question is a) how much money is involved and

Poland and let overflow (say 2 sets) go to Germany next door.

b) I don't think the Poles will agree with that. Too many emotions involved on their side.

[ECOCKS]

When/if Ukraine fails to be ready for the EUFA, there will be no choice but to move the games into Poland to the limit of their capacity. Germany hosted before and is already proven capable of absorbing the over-capacity games. No Polish feelings involved, the EUFA will be making the decisions. It will be a case of getting the games in their venues and controlling the flow of spectators and sponsors for the games.

[kievstar]

UEFA will have it in Ukraine but will reduce the number of games.  Kiev may not have the stadium finished so look for the games of the final 8 teams to be played mainly in Poland.  You will see 2 quarterfinal games in Ukraine and most likely in Donetsk (stadium is finished).  The other 2 quarter final games, semifinals, and final will be in Poland.  Poland stadiums and roads are still terrible so they have a lot of work to do.  Also, Polish hotels are poor quality.  I think Poland has done a better job bribing the judges.  Donetsk just played the 19 UEFA final which Ukraine won over England and got great reviews. 

I have noticed that Kharkov airport is way ahead of schedule of construction but stadium and hotels behind.  Kharkov airport is going to be really nice.  I wonder what the one police official is going to do who always trys to get extra money by taking USA citizens for immigration paper review.  With more than one flight per hour he is going to have to get some help.  I always bring him one old quarter or half dollar.  Keeps him happy as he is a coin collector.  But many fools give him up to 50 usd.

Look for housing prices (more on houses than apartments) in Ukraine to tumble 50% more in Kiev, Kharkov, and Donetsk after Euro cup 2012 or if UEFA cancels Ukraine.  Property prices are still inflated on the ability to rent out to rich foreigners at more than 10,000 usd a week.  Do not laugh at these prices.  When the Ryder cup came to Detroit a couple years ago I rented out my house for more than 50,000 usd a week and my house was more than a hour by car away and less than 450 square meters.  There will be rich people who will spend 100,000 usd or more a week for one of those expensive houses (not apartments) to throw parties.  Many politicians own these houses.  They will make sure that Ukraine gets the games played in Ukraine.  I think the President and Yulia are still trying to get some free houses or a portion of the cut.  Yuila and the President will make more than a hundred million on under the table bribes, etc.  Big business for them.