Michał Nykowski, a head of Polish Staff for EURO 2012 Bid

An interview with Michał Nykowski, a head of Polish Staff for EURO 2012 Bid

- The motto of FC Barcelona is "mas que un club" – i.e. "more than a club". Is the Staff for you more than just work? How would you like to recapitulate the stage of bidding for EURO 2012 and heading of the Staff for EURO 2012? What is there in the future for the new head of the Staff?

- I think my heading of the staff was quite short but it coincided with a very stormy period. There was a lot of diplomacy and policy in it. Unfortunately I encountered complete lack of faith, despite the fact that from a rational point of view our success was certain.

I have learnt what politicians feel when they come under fire from tabloids. Although I am a manager and not a politician, heading of such a politically sensitive project as EURO 2012 entailed also sustaining of quite personal attacks on me.

Now when we speak about a new head of the Staff, I want to wish him a success in meeting the challenge he faces. During Poland’s bidding for EURO 2012 we managed to create quite a good team. If its competencies in EURO matters and its potential and involvement of external experts are taken advantage of, everything should proceed according to the determined schedule.

- According to you, what is of the highest importance now when preparations for EURO 2012 begin? One can say that this stage will determine how Poland and Ukraine prepare for the championships.

- The most important thing is to prepare the ground for efficient hosting of the Championships and for investments. We must build organizational and legal foundations. The law concerning investment, public procurement and PPP act must be simplified.

- What will you be doing now after you have transferred the powers to a new head of Staff?

- I take interest in social affairs. I would like to become involved in the use of EURO 2012 for its promotion among young people, and particularly those from the group of persons at risk of social exclusion. I would like to change their attitude to life. Young Poles should stop complaining about the models offered by older friends and relatives. If Poles stop complaining and starting being self-confident – I think that would be our greatest success during EURO 2012.

- You have played football in your life. If a match was organized to promote EURO 2012, what position would you play at?

- That would be a „right wing” (laughter).