POLAND are not yet assured of co-hosting Euro 2012, despite avoiding immediate Fifa sanctions over the suspension of their football association.
A deal was agreed yesterday between the Polish government and the national ruling body, the PZPN, which satisfied Fifa sufficiently to allow their two upcoming World Cup qualifiers to go ahead.
However, world football's governing body confirmed i
t would continue to monitor the situation and reassess at its executive committee meeting on 23-24 October.
The PZPN was suspended by the country's sports ministry seven days ago for allegedly failing to address corruption issues. The Polish Olympic Committee's arbitration court allegedly found irregularities in the functioning of the PZPN during an audit, with Robert Zawlocki named temporary chief of the federation at the request of Miroslaw Drzewiecki, the minister for sport and tourism.
But Uefa and Fifa later announced they would not recognise the administrator, as they take a firm line that there should be no political interference in national associations. The two governing bodies warned the Polish authorities the country's two World Cup qualifiers would be forfeited unless the government reinstates the football association by 6 October.
While that condition was not met, Fifa said it were satisfied with the progress made and that the Polish government would relinquish control by today.
A statement from the governing body yesterday read: "Fifa has today received an exchange of communications between the Polish sports ministry and the PZPN, which indicates a positive evolution in the situation of the PZPN.
"This positive evolution will allow the two 2010 Fifa World Cup qualifying matches Poland v Czech Republic and Slovakia v Poland, scheduled for October 11 and 15 respectively, to take place. However, Fifa will continue to closely monitor the situation at the Polish FA and the implementation of the measures established in the roadmap.
"The matter will be analysed and discussed once more at the next Fifa executive committee meeting on 23-24 October."
Earlier yesterday, PZPN chairman Michal Listkiewicz had expressed his satisfaction with the deal, saying: "It's a very good proposal, which allows everyone to keep their heads held high. The proposal does not contain any elements of pressure."
The situation will also be keenly monitored by Uefa, as Poland are due to co-host Euro 2012 with Ukraine. Their position as hosts has already been brought into question because of the slow progress being made with preparations for the tournament.
Uefa inspectors produced a critical report of the preparations and infrastructure but last month laid to rest fears they would move the finals to another country over the issue after telling the countries they must stick to a strict timetable of preparations.
The full article contains 452 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
