UEFA reveal hooliganism concern

UEFA have revealed concerns that Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland have a hooliganism issue which could jeopardise the tournament.

Football-related hooliganism remains a constant threat in Poland – co-hosts of next year’s event along with Ukraine – and UEFA’s director of Euro 2012, Martin Kallen, says that UEFA and the Polish government are well aware of it’s threat to the finals.

“On the hooliganism issue, we are very concerned. We know the Polish government are also concerned,” Kallen said.

“It’s a huge problem – there are always hooligans at every match in Poland.”

“There is an image problem and the government are working to find a solution.”

“Security is always the number one priority for UEFA. Both countries are working hard but it is a new subject for them.”

“There has been investment in providing security training for the 7000 stewards in each country.”

Marcin Herra, president of the Polish organising committee for the tournament, added: “Zero tolerance is the policy,” Herra said.

“We cannot let four or five hundred people spoil the tournament for everyone else.”

“There are some challenges but we have new legislation to allow us to deal more practically with hooligans.”

Kallen also revealed that Ukraine will not complete all the work promised before the tournament begins in June next year.

The promises that look like not being fulfilled include 2300km of highways as well as some of the proposed tram systems.

Kallen however, scoffed at suggestions UEFA might strip the Ukraine of their co-host status and insisted ‘all key football assets’ would be up and running in time for the event.

“We have no other way, we have to be ready in 2012,” he said.

“If I speak with the people from the authorities ? from the government, from the cities ? they are very committed and motivated.”

“For them it is very important to show to Europe and the world that they are a very modern country, that it?s a country where people can invest.”

“It?s even more important from their side to show Europe and also the world.”

“They are doing their utmost to arrive, but I think that not all of the projects that were promised will be completed to 100 percent.”