September 30 - UEFA President Michel Platini today insisted Ukraine will be allowed to co-host the 2012 European Championship despite setbacks to its preparations, but that the number of host cities are still undecided.



UEFA earlier threatened to strip Ukraine of its co-hosting rights with Poland after difficulties building stadiums, hotels and transport infrastructure.

However, Platini said  the competition will be played there as scheduled.
 

He said: "We will go [to Ukraine].

"The question this moment is how many cities we will have in Ukraine and where we will have the final."


Kyiv is the only city guaranteed so far, and it remains uncertain if the final will take place in the capital as originally planned.

UEFA will announce the final list when its Executive members meet in Portugal's Madeira islands in December.
 

Platini said: "We have four Polish cities and one Ukrainian city.

"We will have to make a decision in December on how many cities we will have in Ukraine."
 

Ukraine was hit hard by the global financial crisis and the nation has relied on loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to build its infrastructure for the tournament.

In addition, political decisions have been delayed by disputes between rival factions in the Government.
 

Platini said: "It was a big challenge to go into the East.

"UEFA took this challenge.

"We had surprises and it was not so easy, but it's working well and better."


Related stories
April 2009: Platini backs Ukraine for Euro 2012
December 2008: Euro 2012 preparations back on track
September 2008: UEFA to stick with Poland and Ukraine
September 2008: Crisis over Euro 2012 grows and raises Scotland's hopes
September 2008: New doubt cast over Euro 2012 after FA take-over
May 2008: Euro 2012 officials admits London could affect its attendances