UEFA criticises

By: M. Wygralak

The daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita has gained access to a secret UEFA report on preparations for EURO 2012. The city coming out worst in the document was Wrocław, with UEFA describing its preparations (construction of the stadium in particular) as being a great risk. The concern at UEFA was caused by a change in stadium contractor, with this leading to a delay in construction of over six months. It also transpires from the report that the authorities in Wrocław hid the truth on preparations from UEFA, the Polish Football Association (PZPN) and the company PL. 2012.

The UEFA authorities are currently recommending a special inspection of preparations in Wrocław. Among other consequences, the report has brought about a visit by Polish Football Association members, including Chairman Grzegorz Lato. Also in the report were critical comments relating to Warsaw. While progress on construction of the national stadium may not be a source of anxiety, preparation of the infrastructure around the stadium now is. Reservations were expressed in particular about the redevelopment of the streets around the stadium and renovation of Warszawa Stadion station. The report also specified degree of risk as regards preparations in Gdańsk (medium) and Poznań (low).

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