Ukraine Propose joint Euro 2012 application??

[polska]

Ukraine and Poland to submit joint bid for Euro-12?
Dmytro Tabachnyk, Ukrainian Vice-Premier for human development supports the idea of Ukraine's and Poland's joint application for hosting European Championship of football.

"Together, perhaps, we would have better chances",- said Dmytro Tabachnyk in an interview with weekly BBC Ukrainian Service

"Ukraine and Poland are neighbors and close friends",- added vice-premier who, in Ukrainian Government, is responsible for athletics issues.

However, Mister Tabachnyk added that the question of joint application to host European Championship must be decided by football federations of both countries.

2000 European Championships were held in two countries, Belgium and Netherlands.

As specialists supposed, these countries would have a great difficulty winning the competition to host the European Championship alone.

2008 European Championships will be hosted jointly by Austria and Switzerland, after the joint application of Vienna and Bern had won the competition.

In history of European Championships there was also a joint - although failed - application of Scandinavian countries.

Specialists note that Ukraine and Poland could compete for hosting European Championships but not earlier than 2012 European Championship.

Dmytro Tabachnyk also told BBC that Ukraine had began a program of reconstruction of sport venues.

"Ukraine has ambitions. We've approved a plan of enormous reconstruction of Olimpiysky National athletic complex in Kyiv. We have to invest into the basics of athletics to be able to host large competitions", said Mister Tabachnyk.

He added that Ukrainian Football Federation will be building pitches with underground warming systems.

"If we do not err and for a few more years Ukraine will maintain such high rate of development, there will be more money available for athletics, for reconstruction and construction of new athletic venues. Then we can surely compete for hosting of such competitions", - said Ukrainian Vice-Premier.

[polska]

5/28/2003 Surkis starts negotiations of Ukraine-Poland joint Euro bid
FFU president Hryhori Surkis conducted first talks with the Polish Football Federation president Mihal Listkiewicz about future Ukraine-Poland Euro-12 joint application.

"We have enough time for preparations... Such a tournament would be a dream of millions of our fans. This would also help football development in our countries. We hope for support and further discussions of this important issue."

Surkis is currently visiting Manchester for the Champions League Final.



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"I think the idea of a joint Poland-Ukraine bid for Euro-2012 is interesting and deserves consideration," said Listkiewicz. "The Champions League final has become an ideal occasion to talk to each other and discuss the idea. It would be a great chance for our countries.

"However, such an undertaking would need the support of our states. Let's hope for it, as our presidents and governments have good relations.

"Mr Surkis and I have come to a conclusion that irrespective of the outcome of our talks on a possible Euro-2012 bid, we need to improve the cooperation between our federations.

"One of the interesting ideas is to play friendly matches between our national teams this year," said Listkiewicz.

[polska]

[Prewitt]

Jacek Debski (r.i.p) had similar ideas, although I don't think his plans involved Ukraine.

Such a brave plan may bring about some positive things and for other (political, historical) reasons I find the idea of cooperation with Ukrainians interesting also in this area, but I don't think anybody in charge will let us organize big tournament within next 20-30 years. Science fiction more than reality to me.