UEFA has denied Friday reports from Poland that Poland would take a sole host for the Euro 2012 if the co-host Ukraine delays new national stadium.

The Polish daily 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 Euro 2012 will take place only in Poland," Platini was quoted as saying.

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.

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.

Anastasia Krychyhina, a spokeswoman for Ukraine's sports ministry, said construction on the stadium in Kiev began on Dec. 1 after workers tore down a nearby business center.

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2008)