Swiss upbeat about Euro 2008

Ralph Zloczower, president of the Swiss Football Association, says plans for Euro 2008 are making progress Keystone

Swiss football bosses say preparations are on track for the planned 2008 European championships.

The tournament is expected to bring in revenues of around SFr500 million ($423 million), according to a study commissioned by the Swiss Football Association.

Officials said plans for the championship, which Switzerland and neighbouring Austria are jointly hosting, were making progress.

Preparations suffered a setback earlier this year after plans for a new football stadium in Zurich were delayed. An alternative project is now being assessed.

In September Lennart Johansson, head of European football’s governing body, Uefa, criticised an apparent lack of public funds to guarantee security during Euro 2008.

Jürgen Müller, project manager for Euro 2008 at Uefa, said he was still counting on Zurich as a venue for the tournament.

“We have taken note of the new project at the Letzigrund and we are confident that a solution can be found. We think Zurich should be part of Euro 2008,” Müller said.

Economic boost

A study, commissioned by the Swiss Football Association, said the 2008 European football championships will bring in revenues of between SFr470 and 545 million to local businesses.

The authors said the Swiss tourist industry would be the main beneficiary along with the organisers of the tournament. An estimated one million people are expected to attend the matches in 2008.

The northern region of Basel stands to gain most from the tournament, the biggest sporting event in Swiss history, according to the report.

Basel is one of three or four venues where matches will take place in Switzerland. Other matches, including the final, will be played in Austria.

Security costs

The study says the state will see its receipts boosted by up to SFr175 million as a result of Euro 2008.

The federal and cantonal authorities have so far pledged just over SFr10 million for security.

However, the head of the Federal Office for Sport, Heinz Keller, said more funds were necessary to cover additional security measures.

“I’m confident that the cabinet and parliament stand behind Euro 2008. It’s an opportunity for Switzerland to show the world that it can stage such a major event,” Keller told swissinfo.

swissinfo with agencies

In brief

The Swiss football authorities say preparations for Euro 2008 are on track, despite a setback over a new stadium in Zurich.

Officials say they will call on the government to pledge more funds for security measures.

A study says Euro 2008 will prompt sales of up to SFr545 million and generated economic value of up to SFr315 million.