© EuroFootball.com
Concerns about preparations for the 2008 European Championship are causing serious concern for UEFA. For example, it is already known that the new Zurich stadium "Hardturm" will not be completed on time.
For the residents of Zurich who live near the planned stadium construction site, football is not of interest at all. They do not allow the builders to work. An initiative group has been formed, which organizes protest actions. It is believed that the construction of the stadium will increase traffic in the region, causing inconvenience such as traffic jams for the locals. Therefore, administrative and legal disputes had to be taken, which will hinder the completion of construction until the summer of 2007, and thus the stadium will not be properly inspected.
UEFA is dissatisfied that certain groups of people are jeopardizing the execution of such a large event. The association has suggested to the Austrian and Swiss authorities to exhibit "stronger political will" in resolving the issues of preparation and execution of Euro-2008. In simpler terms, to pay no attention to the protests.
However, apparently it is impossible to ignore. And, likely, the tournament will be held not in eight, but only in seven stadiums. In addition to Zurich, the championship must be hosted by Basel, Berne, Geneva, as well as Austrian cities Vienna, Klagenfurt, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. There are no problems with that, but it's still unpleasant. And if protests start elsewhere? Now, of course, options are being considered to move some matches planned at "Hardturm" to other Swiss arenas.
"We discussed the situation in Switzerland and partially in Austria regarding the organization of Euro-2008. The Swiss football federation informed us that the stadium in Zurich will not be ready on time," - UEFA Executive Director Lars-Christer Ulsson's words quoted by the official website of the European football association. "This seriously worried the members of the executive committee."
Questions are also raised concerning the protection of commercial and intellectual property rights, legislative programs aimed at combating illegal ticket distribution, and insufficient financing for security. The executive committee would like to see noticeable progress in solving these problems by the end of this year.
"The Executive Committee decided to set a final deadline for the Swiss authorities, who must submit specific proposals on how to address the anticipated problems by the end of this year," Ulsson added. "The Committee reminded the Swiss and Austrian authorities of the need to demonstrate stronger political will in preparing for the tournament. This is necessary for both countries to meet the requirements outlined in the signed Euro-2008 application."
"It is important that all requirements are met," Ulsson added. "After all, this is one of the conditions on which the committee entrusted Switzerland and Austria to host the championships. Now we need responsive actions from these countries."
