The 2012 UEFA European Championship
8 June – 1 July 2012
16 Teams
8 Venues
Introduction
This year's extravaganza is due to be co-hosted by Poland and the Ukraine, although there seems to be some political controversy surrounding the Ukraine's involvement at the moment.
This is to do with the Ukraine's treatment of it's ex-president Yulia Tymoshenko, who is controversially serving a seven-year sentence for alleged abuse of office and is on hunger strike after claiming she was beaten by guards.
The main rival of incumbent Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovich is now in a prison in the city of Kharkiv, one of the venues during the tournament.
Several European politicians have said they intend to stay away from the former Soviet republic in protest since she launched the hunger strike on April 20. They include the representatives of Austria, Holland and Belgium, which have all hosted the championship within the last 12 years.
Rather more high profile in the UK is the fact that Prince William, who is President of the FA, has stated that he will not travel to the Ukraine to watch England play their group matches in the city of Donetsk.
I would expect this all to be resolved before the tournament begins, as the Ukraine can hardly afford to have their domestic affairs placed under the media spotlight in this fashion.
Right, to start with Spot has done a preview and the first part can be reached from the section below. There will be more. So have a read and then return to read his next instalment shortly. Then, when the squads are announced, see what he thinks of them!
This is to do with the Ukraine's treatment of it's ex-president Yulia Tymoshenko, who is controversially serving a seven-year sentence for alleged abuse of office and is on hunger strike after claiming she was beaten by guards.
The main rival of incumbent Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovich is now in a prison in the city of Kharkiv, one of the venues during the tournament.
Several European politicians have said they intend to stay away from the former Soviet republic in protest since she launched the hunger strike on April 20. They include the representatives of Austria, Holland and Belgium, which have all hosted the championship within the last 12 years.
Rather more high profile in the UK is the fact that Prince William, who is President of the FA, has stated that he will not travel to the Ukraine to watch England play their group matches in the city of Donetsk.
I would expect this all to be resolved before the tournament begins, as the Ukraine can hardly afford to have their domestic affairs placed under the media spotlight in this fashion.
Right, to start with Spot has done a preview and the first part can be reached from the section below. There will be more. So have a read and then return to read his next instalment shortly. Then, when the squads are announced, see what he thinks of them!
First published, 6th May 2012
