Oct 7, 2009, 12:28 GMT
Kiev - A UEFA official on Wednesday offered Ukraine a much hoped for note of approval, saying the former Soviet republic was doing better in getting ready to host its share of Euro 2012 matches.
'At present we are satisfied with the progress that Ukraine has achieved,' said Martin Kallen at a meeting with Kiev journalists.
Kallen's remarks carried by the Interfax news agency were the most supportive comments made publicly by a UEFA official in months, on Ukrainian efforts to prepare tourist and sports facilities for the high-profile tournament.
Ukraine has accelerated its preparation effort substantially since May, and will be well on its way to fulfulling its host responsibilities if the pace is maintained through 2012, Kallen said.
UEFA head Michel Platini in July criticised Ukraine for its preparations and gave it a December deadline to meet its requirements.
Ukraine's usually chaotic government over the summer overcame traditional gridlock to approve a reported 700 million dollars of repairs to transportation and tourist industry infrastructure.
The UEFA in April 2007 named Ukraine and Poland co-hosts for Euro 2012.
Ukraine has struggled to get ready for Euro 2012, with funding shortages and bureaucratic turf battles dogging its preparation efforts.
UEFA officials in September left open the number of Ukrainian cities to become game venues. Ukraine's government hopes the UEFA will agree to four cities: Kiev, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Lviv.
The UEFA's top bosses are scheduled to meet on December 11-12 to make a final decision on host cities for the tournament.
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