UEFA Euro-2012 qualifying round – test for Ukraine and Poland
06.02.2010 19:54:48
The press conference by UEFA President Michel Platini, UEFA Secretary General Gianni Infantino, and UEFA Euro-2012 Chief Operating Officer has been held today in the Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw. Football officials have announced the tomorrow’s UEFA Euro-2012 qualifying draw.
UEFA avoids political conflicts
UEFA President Michel Platini informed that in case Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Georgia find themselves in the same group, the teams will automatically be placed into the next one, with teams from relevant pot taking their places. This way, UEFA would like to prevent possible conflicts connected with political relations between those countries.
Platini satisfied with Ukraine’s readiness
Platini believes that the tomorrow’s draw is a hallmark event in respect of the countries’ readiness to stage UEFA Euro-2012 under UEFA standards. “There will be a lot of mass media representatives and experts. It is good opportunity for the organizers to demonstrate how they are going to work in the future and take into account drawbacks, if any. What I can say about Ukraine and Poland’s preparations for the time being is that we have only good news. The experts submit good findings in respect of readiness of the two countries. Moreover, we have two years ahead. I feel great enthusiasm of the Ukrainians and Poles to stage successful 2012 Championship. Of course, the tomorrow’s event will be a small test, but it will be landmark”.
Presidential elections in Ukraine
UEFA President noted that within the last two years Ukraine faced difficult political situation. In his words, UEFA has its representative at place – FFU President Grygoriy Surkis who monitors all the financial as well as political moments. Therefore, all the problems were settled in different time. The European football officials witness great progress in terms of Ukraine’s UEFA Euro-2012 preparations. “I believe that the elections will be won by the best candidate. Following this, political situation in Ukraine will improve considerably”, Michel Platini resumed.
Coaches of great teams ignore drawing
Caretakers of some favorite sides didn’t arrive for the drawing ceremony. Italy’s Marcello Lippi referred to his being busy in Italy, Rajmon Domenek told that he is not going to steer France after the 2010 FIFA World Cup. England’s Fabio Capello was also absent. Platini commented, “Coming to the draw is a personal matter. As far as I remember, such events have always been held on Sunday. Therefore, we do not see any reasons to change anything”.
When answering the questions of English journalist as regards the scandal in English football (Fabio Capello deprived John Terry of the captain’s armband due to the adultery), UEFA President told frankly, “I do not care. It is the problem of British football and British media. Everyone has its philosophy and morality when taking such decision. Capello did what he considered necessary to do. Quite probable, he will do something else being pressed by the British mass media”.
Oleksandr Glyvynskyy from Warsaw, Information Centre “Ukraine-2012”
Former Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Ivan Vasyunyk noted commented in the TV-show "Shuster-live» that he convinced that the administrative system of Ukraine's preparations for EURO 2012, worked by previous government team will be useful to successors.
"In my opinion, the main challenge based on EURO 2012 will not become a platform of expression of some politicians or bureaucrats. Keep in mind that the subject of this project is an entire state. I t is not just the political ambitions of certain individuals, but rather the image and the future of the entire country that are at stake.
During 2009 the State Road Service of Ukraine (Ukravtodor) put in commission 238 kilometers of roads. In general, Ukravtodor spent USD 3.8 billion for construction and repair of roads last year. This part of the funds of USD 16.7 billion, that were involved by organization to finance road economy. Vadym Gurzhos, the Chairman of the State Road Service of Ukraine said at today's press conference.
Official noted that despite the fact that last year Ukravtodor managed to employ only half of the planned funds, work on the facilities of EURO 2012 were performed on average 65% of the annual plan.
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[NAME] => Oleksandr Atamanenko: “English fans are sure to envy us!”
[PREVIEW_TEXT] => Donbas Arena opening was a landmark event of the year of 2009. To the opinion of numerous experts, the stadium is one of the best in Europe and is able to host high-level matches. Notably, the arena is still in progress. Furthermore, it is developing to astound its visitors with different novelties. Oleksandr Atamanenko, stadium’s general manager, told on the pleasant surprises ahead.
- Oleksandr Volodymyrovych, undoubtedly, opening of Donbas Arena has become one of the brightest events of the last year for Donbas and, perhaps, the whole of Ukraine. I think we could make up the first conclusions …
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[DETAIL_TEXT] => Donbas Arena opening was a landmark event of the year of 2009. To the opinion of numerous experts, the stadium is one of the best in Europe and is able to host high-level matches. Notably, the arena is still in progress. Furthermore, it is developing to astound its visitors with different novelties. Oleksandr Atamanenko, stadium’s general manager, told on the pleasant surprises ahead.
- Oleksandr Volodymyrovych, undoubtedly, opening of Donbas Arena has become one of the brightest events of the last year for Donbas and, perhaps, the whole of Ukraine. I think we could make up the first conclusions …
- I believe it is not the right time to claim that we are 100% perfect. The process is being fine-tuned to the smaller details. Based on the experience of the European facilities, the process will run for the first season of our activity. Interestingly, the assessments of UEFA experts’, who are organizers of the previous European Championships as well as experts of the standing commissions for UEFA Euro-2012 preparations, are positive. They do highly value our job.
- What about non-professionals?
- Sometimes they criticize us. I’ve very surprised recently as I read negative feedback by Lviv region governor Mykola Kmit. He expressed his stance following the match between Ukraine and Greece, at which several groups of experts present had voiced their high evaluation. Later we received a delegation of builders and the Lviv stadium’s management team. The guests were absolutely captured by what they had seen. I admit that the negative opinion was caused by the security procedures which entailed specific inconveniences. The match ran high risk. Therefore, additional security measures had been introduced. Mr. Kmyt might have not considered the scale of the facility and tried to access the dedicated zone from the other side, which is forbidden by the security system…
- So, what if you invite him to help clarify the nuances?
- We are always open for our guests. We are ready to meet guests in any non-match day to provide full excursion around the stadium. By the way, we always assist with pleasure and share our advices with those who build stadiums in other Ukrainian cities. Everyone who visited us was left with good impressions. We are looking forward to seeing Mr. Kmyt! Hopefully, he will change his opinion!
- The year of 2009 was eventful for the stadium. Are you going to have any holidays in January?
- No chance. In January we are receiving a group of builders. We will test the fan café, lounge bar, museum, officers, and FC Shakhtar reception to get them ready for the next season. The arena is upping the tempo. Even in non-match days, it attracts more and more attention of fans. It is normal as this is the concept of any stadium of new generation. The facility should be alive on a daily basis.
- The agio which arose following the stadium’s opening revived the foregone problem of ‘extra ticket’. Did the number of visitors really increased?
- And not only the number of FC Shakhtar supporters. Yet ‘ordinary fans’, to my mind, are changing. Their sex, geography, and advantages change. Now the stadium is attended by those who are used to combine football with additional elements of comfort. Moreover, we can provide maximum service at place. More women and children come, which pleases a lot. Women are more emotional. Naturally, they are able to support the team.
- Aren’t you afraid of the perspective to see grandstands crowded with people who arrived for the show rather than for football festivity?
- I don’t think this will be the case. Specificity of our nation is the ability to learn quickly. Those who visit the arena learn to value the environment, live through every episode, shout for in European style. I am sure, FC Arcenal will soon envy us.
- UEFA has taken a decision confirming Donetsk as UEFA Euro-2012 host city. Is there a special tournament preparation programme?
- A large scale project like the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship requires a lot of things. Apart from availability of seats at Donbass Arena, a well-developed infrastructure (airport, hotel, transport) should be at place. Everyone is satisfied with the stadium now. On the other hand, we are aware of the necessity to review several aspects.
- Are they going to do something additional for the 2012 soccer tournament?
- We thoroughly gear up for any event. Everything will depend on which Championship matches we will host. In case we receive quarter-finals, we will have to install additional boxes for commentators. It is quite easy to do, under relevant agreements. We already know which extra activities we will need to undertake.
- Could you outline the main task of the stadium before UEFA Euro-2012?
- The main thing we will need to do in tandem with the city authorities is establishment of the fan zone nearby the arena. I would like to emphasize that there is no problem in this regard. Everything is already thought of and planned. We only have to implement.
Information Centre “Ukraine-2012”
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Donbas Arena opening was a landmark event of the year of 2009. To the opinion of numerous experts, the stadium is one of the best in Europe and is able to host high-level matches. Notably, the arena is still in progress. Furthermore, it is developing to astound its visitors with different novelties. Oleksandr Atamanenko, stadium’s general manager, told on the pleasant surprises ahead.
- Oleksandr Volodymyrovych, undoubtedly, opening of Donbas Arena has become one of the brightest events of the last year for Donbas and, perhaps, the whole of Ukraine. I think we could make up the first conclusions …
State Committee of Ukraine on Regulatory Policy and Entrepreneurship proposed new draft Law of Ukraine "On gambling”. The objective of the new version of Law "On gambling" is the withdrawal of gambling from the shadows - at the same time make more stringent rules and location of gambling establishments responsibility to strengthen the state and citizens.
In July-August 2009 Donetsk and Mariupol hosted UEFA EURO Under 19 Championship. Law of Ukraine “On prohibition of gambling business” was adopted a month before the Championship.
UEFA Euro-2012 is a driving force for improvement of many fields of the Ukraine’s life. In particular, Ukraine might become the first region in the Eastern Europe to introduce public transport means operating on biofuel. This will positively impact the environment as well as the economic activity in the host cities.
Alternative fuel E85 consists of ethanol (85%) and costs less than traditional types of petrol. Moreover, it doesn’t contaminate the environment. For drivers to enjoy the novelty, they will need to equip cars with a fuel adaptor.
