Platini praise for Austria
Friday, July 27, 2007
Article summary
The UEFA President has hailed Austria's efforts as hosts of the UEFA European U19 Championship.
Article body
UEFA President Michel Platini has praised Austria's efforts as hosts of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
Public interest
Mr Platini is in Linz for Friday's final between Spain and Greece, as well as for the launch of the UEFA EURO 2008™ volunteer programme, and his words to the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) and FA of Upper Austria show his satisfaction at the public interest in the U19 competition.
Wonderful work
"On behalf of UEFA I'd like to congratulate the ÖFB on the wonderful work they've done for this European U19 Championship," Mr Platini said. "It's been fantastic. A total of 70,000 spectators is fantastic. I don't know who'll win the final, but you have won already because you've done a fantastic job."
Plaque presented
Mr Platini presented a plaque to ÖFB president Friedrich Stickler and FA of Upper Austria president Leo Windtner. Matches in the tournament have been played in Linz, Pasching, Ried and Steyr. Indications are that the final will attract another good crowd in Linz, with the hosts saying that around 4,000 tickets have already been sold.
