Klitschko questions misuse of Euro funds

Published: 12 Jan 2012 - 17:16:35

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Klitschko questions misuse of Euro funds

Ukraine's world champion boxer Vitali Klitschko called Thursday for an inquiry into the misuse of public funds connected to the country's preparations to co-host Euro 2012.

"People in Ukraine are asking why the cost of stadia constructed for Euro 2012 are 50 percent higher, that's double, the costs of building stadia in Europe," said Klitschko, the WBC heavyweight champion who is also leader of a political party.

Klitschko, speaking at a press conference, said he wanted an investigation "into the abuses which I'm sure have been committed".

"The officials who were responsible for the construction of these venues must produce all the information about them," he stressed.

The issue of corruption and diversion of public funds associated to projects connected with Euro 2012 has been raised by local media.

Klitschko has tried and failed twice (in 2006 and 2008) to be elected mayor of Kiev.

His party, the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform, is set to contest upcoming elections in October.