NYON (Switzerland), Dec 13: UEFA has denied reports from Poland that the 2012 European Championship co-host may be asked to stage the tournament on its own if Ukraine’s new national stadium is delayed.

The Polish newspaper Dziennik quoted UEFA President Michel Platini as saying there was a possibility that construction problems in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev could lead to Poland taking full control of the 16-nation tournament.

“If the city does not make it on time with its stadium, there is a possibility that the Euros will take place only in Poland,” Platini was quoted as saying.

But Platini’s special adviser, William Gaillard, told The Associated Press on Friday that UEFA “categorically denied” the report.

Platini hosted football and government officials from both countries on Wednesday to hear updates on their tournament plans.

Since awarding Euro 2012 to Poland and Ukraine in April 2007, Platini has criticized both for falling behind schedule in building and renovating stadiums, airports, roads and hotels. He has also warned the co-hosts that their capital cities are essential to the project.

But Platini emerged from Wednesday’s meetings at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, to pledge his full confidence that preparations were back on track.

UEFA will decide next May which eight cities will host the 31 matches. Either country could be asked to provide between two and six venues.

Last month, Ukraine reorganized its agencies responsible for infrastructure work in order to speed up preparations. Anastasia Krychyhina, a spokeswoman for Ukraine’s sports ministry, said construction on the stadium in Kiev began on Dec 1 after workers destroy a nearby centre.—AP