posted Oct 7, 2008

I am sorry but I see very little informed or reasoned comment on here. Most of those slamming Poland for its "lack of infrastructure" etc etc have clearly only ever been as close to Poland as a Polish shop in England.

The other tack appears to be, if the Poles and Ukrainians don't have Euro 2012 then "we" some rag bag of alternatives will have the competition. the biggest laugh I have had so far is to read the suggestion that "corruption free" Italy should host it. Tell that to the authorities probing the mafia attempt to buy Lazio and the mafia inspired violence from Napoli fans at Roma.

There may not be as many motorways in Poland as in the UK but those that there are (and more are being built all the time) do not suffer the horrendous congestion that is a norm on English motorways. Polish stadia do require work but you may recall that its only in recent years that most British stadia have moved from the dark ages (Hillsborough and Bradford anyone?).

Football is an international game loved by billions. Hosting tournaments is a means of forming ties and affinities and appreciating other fans and their countries. Hosting the competitions in the same old tired countries time after time is flawed and arrogant. Let football be the instrument of change.

As far as the comments on trouble in Polish bars is concerned the only problems you are likely to see are those caused by stag parties from this fair isle. The Police and security services act very quickly.

As for hooliganism at football matches the Police are very well organised and stand for no messing. For all but a miniscule minority that should be enough. The Polish people are friendly, hospitable and passionate about their country and football.

The Polish host cities (I know little about the Ukraine) are all fine locations with great facilities and historical and cultural interest.If you only are interested in bars they have more than enough options, that put the Dog and Greasy Sarnie to shame. Good food, good drink, great culture and a beautiful country.

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posted Oct 7, 2008

One story about the Ukraineg border crossin which I read in a Polish paper, related to the huge queues at the Polish border. Poland is the gateway to the EU from the east which is why checks are very stringent after all isn't that what little Englander's want?

Anyway a car (which had been in the a queue for about a week) on reaching the border control was noted to have a peculiar smell. On checking further, it was found that one of the passengers had died in the car. The reason the other passengers did nothing was that they didn't want to lose their place in the queue.

Public transport is the recommended "faster" route through the border crossings but flying will no doubt be the preferred option. These two countries are big.

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posted Oct 7, 2008

BillyCaspar

I totally endorse your comment. FIFA/UEFA should be working with the Polish government to resolve this. Of course we don't want political interference but surely that is with the caveat that the PZPN acts to deal with the issues. Mind you given UEFA's and FIFA's inaction in Italy and lack of resolve in dealing with racism I don't expect much else from them.

All Blatter seems to be obsessed about is girls in tight shorts.

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posted Oct 7, 2008

I've spent time in Poland and Krakow is one of my favourite European cities but the simple fact is that Poland's resurgence, like those of Spain and Ireland has been funded by EU money.

It's football authorities though are widely regarded as being in a mire. Despite all the doubts I am sure everything will be ready (isn't it always) for Euro 2012.

But FIFA has to take a less parochial view that simply saying no interference will be tolerated with the Polish FA.

Otherwise people might wonder why Sepp and Co. are so keen to support a corrupt institution?

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posted Oct 7, 2008

good to see this tournament go to tin pot nations like Poland and little Russia. That's what spreading the gospel is all about.

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posted Oct 7, 2008

I don't think i have heard of FIFA or Platini or Blatter making one sensible statement in the last two or three years. Poland has probably one of the worst case's of hooliganism, racism and corruption in Europe and sacking their FA, who have clearly done sweet FA about it is probably a good first step.

It just looks like FIFA are stepping in to protect the pensions of their Moraly corrupt comrades in Poland

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posted Oct 7, 2008

This will solve nothing! FIFA must act decisevely to save the situation. the following steps are the only ones that can rescue the situation.
1. Throw Poland out of FIFA and ban them for 10 years.
2,instantly award the 2012 tournament to Turkey.
3. Ban the Ukraine for 3 years from all competition.

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posted Oct 7, 2008

SandcastleJim

Don't you mean tin pot couldn't qualify for Euro 2008 England. Lets hold every tournament in England because thats the only way they are going to ever stand a chance of winning something.

People complain about racism amongst football fans in Poland (whats your evidence or can't you tell the difference between Croatia, Serbia and Poland?) but the racists on this thread seem to have no problems dealing with their double standards. Racism has hidden its ugly head in the British game but its never truly gone away. Being British it's just a bit more polite about it.

As for hooliganism here, if you think it has disappeared, you really ought to move that fundament of yours from, that cosy armchair, in front of the TV,more often and try going to a match, rather than watching the replays from every angle of what actually "happened".

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posted Oct 7, 2008

Racist

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