And the Euro 2012 still goes to Poland-Ukraine. For now.

Various German media sources speculated last week about Ukraine’s inability to build the necessary infrastructure to stage the Euro in 2012. Newspapers were calling for a compromise with Germany, a rescue-plan that would help Poland keep its portion of the games. In particular, Berlin and Leipzig were mentioned as possible co-host venues for the tournament, due to its close geographic location with the Polish boarder. German officials were denying such claims, however, making the Germany-Poland scenario seem to be nothing more than a rumor.

A rumor that -- just a day later – stretched beyond Berlin and Leipzig after word broke loose that also Poland would likely be unable to cope with strict Uefa guidelines for the European Championship. Prime Minister Listkiewicz had to admit that "[…] realistically we are looking at having no good roads in time for 2012." The German media’s answer to the million dollar question, what to do about it, then was simple: move it all to Germany. Stadiums are in great condition, infrastructure and transportation has already been in place for many years. Nothing against Germany, but it’s a relieve for me to be able to say that it’s not going to happen. At least for now.

Uefa president Michael Platini in Bordeaux yesterday reassured both Poland and the Ukraine that they will remain host countries for the event in 4 years from now. However, both countries were also asked to step up their preparations. Moreover, the Uefa committee will reevaluate the countries’ progress in May 2009. If things haven’t improved significantly by then Poland and the Ukraine will lose their right to stage the tournament without further ado. But not to Germany as it seems. To my surprise, Uefa’s “plan-B” candidate is Scotland, which would receive the rights to host the soccer event in this case.

The next six month will be crucial for the current host-countries. At least construction on the national in Warsaw have begun. But again, roads and transportation work is lacking behind. On another note, one also has to ask if Scotland would get the needed financial support from its government to bring existing stadiums up to specifications. After all, the Olympic games, which will cost the UK about 9.3 billion British Pounds, will be held in London the same year. Mhhh, maybe the German media was right and the Euro will go to Germany after all. Let’s not forget what a magnificent event the Germans pulled-off in 2006; shall we recall: