UEFA inspectors assessing the ability of Scotland and Ireland to co-host the Euro 2008 football tournament today declared themselves very happy with what they have seen during a week-long visit to the two countries. UEFA director, Lars-Christer Olsson, one of the seven-man inspection team, told a press conference in Glasgow that the inspectors harboured no doubts about the ability of the two countries to stage the bid.
Earlier this month the Irish contribution to the bid was clouded with uncertainty after the Irish government said a new national stadium would not be publicly funded and that ministers are to seek private sector funding for the stadium.
But Olsson insisted today: "We are very happy from what we have seen in Ireland and Scotland. It has met all our requirements and all our expectations."
Olsson was speaking as the UEFA inspection team completed their five-day visit to the two countries. As he spoke at a press conference at Rangers Football Club's Ibrox Stadium, it emerged that First Minister Jack McConnell and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, have written a letter to Olsson, UEFA's director of professional football and marketing, underlining the commitment of both countries to the bid.
The bid hinges on Scotland providing six stadia and Ireland two. "The letter from the two leaders declared: "Both the Irish and Scottish governments are fully committed to providing all the stadia necessary for this world-class tournament."
"If we succeed in winning Euro 2008, both governments expect to provide the eight stadia that you require and to do so in good time for all of them to be tested in advance of the main competition. During your visit you have heard our plans in detail and you can be assured that these new stadia will be modern with all the facilities you have specified and that they will match or exceed your required capacities."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
