“We have to be honest and tell the truth. We have certain problems in other Ukrainian cities. I mean the lack of modern airports, stadiums, hotels and convenient road structure. At the moment, Odesa stands a good chance to be named as a host city. Some other cities may not come up to scratch,” UEFA official said.

“Odesa deserves to be a host city, not a reserve venue, for Euro-2012 finals. It has been confirmed by UEFA inspectors. We have approved all plans for preparing the city. We will need funding and the search for investors is under way. Importantly, the state must meet its share of commitments.”

Feb. 25, a group of UEFA inspectors visited various sites in Odesa to learn about modernization projects of the local airport, railway station, hospitals and city hotels.

Feb. 26, the group will fly to Kharkiv.

Feb. 24, Odesa Euro-2012 organizing committee held a presentation for EUFA experts on proposed modernization and construction projects in the city. Plans include the construction of a speed streetcar line, a large network of parking lots near the main stadium with a 5,000-car capacity. Odesa officials also showcased projects to build roads in the city to ensure easy access to the stadium and hotels for the estimated 40,000 football fans expected to come to Odesa as well as the construction of a new 30,000-seat stadium in the Luzanivka area.

All road and traffic signs along the roads leading to the main stadium will be in the language of teams that will compete in Odesa as well as in English and Ukrainian.

The modernization of the Odesa airport and railway station is a topmost priority, the city authorities say.