Olsson also said UEFA was concerned about the failure of authorities in Zurich, Switzerland, to secure a permit for rebuilding the Hardturm Stadium in preparation for Euro 2008. Switzerland and Austria will co-host the next European Championships.
UEFA called for stronger political commitment by the Swiss and Austrian authorities and set an end-of-year deadline for a report by both that all requirements will be met.
At its meeting, UEFA's executive body also agreed on the participation of the Champions League winner in the new FIFA Club World Championship on an invitational basis only. Olsson also criticized the level of refereeing at the Athens Olympics, saying it was "not up to standards."
"The game is developing faster than the level of refereeing," he said and offered UEFA's support to other soccer associations.
He expressed full support for Swedish referee Anders Frisk, who was badly injured by Roma fans during Wednesday's Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev, calling the incident "regretful."
In a show of sympathy for victims of the hostage drama in a school in North Ossetia, Russia, UEFA's Executive Committee offered two mini-pitches to the school in Beslan as part of its reconstruction program.



