UEFA inspects Kazakhstani stadiums

An inspection from the Union of European Football Associations arrived to Almaty on 13 June. The representatives of UEFA intend to study in detail the condition of the stadiums of Astana, Almaty and Atyrau, as well as the infrastructures of these cities in view of their ability to host international tournaments. In July "Zhenis" from the capital, "Kairat" from Almaty and "Atyrau" will start playing in the League of Champions and UEFA cup tournaments. One of the main conditions of their participation in these tournaments is a good condition of sports facilities, airports, hotels.

Ernie Walker from Scotland, chairman of UEFA on sports facilities and safety, is heading the delegation. Rene Eberlee, senior officer of UEFA for tournaments administration, is heading analysis of the tournament part. Eric Eppleh, who already visited Almaty in September, 2001, is responsible for the aid programs. R.Eberlee and E.Eppleh are both citizens of Switzerland.

This morning the UEFA inspection carried out the review of the "Central" stadium. Having made a few observations, E.Walker, head of the commission declared that the Almaty stadium undoubtedly fits for the cup of UEFA. It's exactly in this competition that, starting from its qualification period, the Almaty FC "Kairat", as a winner of the national cup, will represent Kazakhstan on European arena. The management of Almaty stadium and football union of Kazakhstan received a number of practical recommendations on complete compliance of the stadium with the norms. Kazakhstani side presented information that the work is being carried out in many directions. For example, the negotiations are being completed with an Italian company on construction of the sliding roof. Besides, the press-centre, cloak-rooms, doping-centre, VIP lounges, press, radio centre and other infrastructures are being re-equipped. It's already few years that individual seats for the fans and ultramodern tableau have been installed. E.Walker said that Almaty stadium is an excellent basis for reconstruction into superarena.

Last evening the UEFA commission went to Atyrau, где where it will get acquainted with the local stadium "Munaishy" and municipal infrastructure. FC "Atyrau" will also represent Kazakhstan on the cup of UEFA as a silver prize winner of the national cjampionship-2001. The commission returns from Atyrau on 15 June, then a seminar for Kazakhstani specialists and coaches will be held.

On 18 June the inspection will visit Atyrau. The central Kazhimukan Munaitpassov memorial stadium will be the main object of the review. The local FC "Zhenis", as the champion of the country will represent Kazakhstan in the qualification round of the European champions league.

As we reported earlier, Kazakhstan was accepted to UEFA on 25 April at a congress in Stockholm after a year and a half long negotiations between Rahat Aliev, president of the football union of Kazakhstan and L.Juhansson, president of UEFA. Part of Kazakhstani territory - 14-15% - is in Europe.