Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland’s football association the PZPN which has been battling with corruption problems for some time now has had it’s management board suspended by the Sports Ministry and the Polish Olympic Committee.
The decision was taken after “signs of numerous violations of the law by federation officials,”
There was a joint statement released by World and European governing bodies, FIFA and UEFA that said;
“FIFA and UEFA do not recognise either the decision by the arbitration court of the Polish National Olympic Committee, nor the nomination of an “administrator” of the PZPN.
FIFA and UEFA continue to recognise the current leadership of the PZPN chaired by Michal Listkiewicz as the only legitimate authority to run football in Poland and to represent it internationally.”
Confusion upon confusion it seems.
This decision by an arbitration tribunal throws a massive shadow over the next European Championship tournament now, especially as the other hosts, the Ukraine, would not be able to stage the whole tournament singlehandedly.
If new hosts were required who’d be able, and maybe more importantly who’d be Interested?
- England, have the Olympics that summer, and are looking to bid for the World Cup instead.
- Italy, lost out to the joint Poland and Ukraine bid, and probably for good reason. Decaying Stadia, more corruption issues and increasing hooligan problems.
- Spain, the reigning champions apparently want to hold another championship, but at short notice aren’t interested.
- Holland/Germany/France, have recently held Euros and World Cups between them.
So with the current Global recession looming too, the outlook is, for want of a better word… Dodgy.
Andy Clements
