LVIV - The beginning of the work was the most difficult stage in the process of Ukraine's preparations for Euro 2012, UEFA President Michel Platini has said.
"The most difficult thing was the fact that we started everything from scratch, everything that concerned infrastructure, as well as the adjustment of the management of these facilities," he said in Lviv on April 12, when asked by reporters what the most difficult thing was during Ukraine’s preparations for Euro 2012.
"But in the end we’ve seen a significant number of excellent facilities, including stadiums and airports – both in Ukraine and in Poland," Platini said, noting that there are still "minor details" and that they will be resolved at meetings between representatives of UEFA and the local authorities of the host countries.
He also said that two years ago he still had doubts the fact that Ukraine and Poland would be able to host Euro 2012.
"But two years ago, after a meeting with President [Viktor Yanukovych], these doubts were dispelled," Platini said.
At the same time, Yanukovych said that Ukraine now had to conduct a small amount of construction work. In addition, work is being carried out to ensure security during the tournament, and there are questions related to preparations for the provision of proper services to Euro 2012 guests, he added.
Yanukovych said that the International Olympic Committee’s attitude to Ukraine’s application to host the Winter Olympics in Ukraine in 2022 would largely depend on how well the country stages the Euro 2012 championship.
