EURO 2008: Survey shows Austria excitement
20/07/2007 |
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Austrians are looking forward to UEFA EURO 2008™ with growing anticipation, according to a survey commissioned by the Austrian Football Association, Euro 2008 SA, the Bundesliga and the Austria on the Ball association.
Looking forward
Some 50 per cent of people said they were interested in football, according to the survey based on a representative population sample of 1,000 Austrians. Of this group, 85 per cent said they were looking forward to UEFA EURO 2008™ with great anticipation, and 86 per cent said they were convinced that Austria was well-prepared in organisational terms to host the world’s third-biggest sporting event.
Positive results
The survey is the first of five planned polls, and records only the views of Austrians who say they are interested in football. It produced the following main results:
• 72 per cent said they were adequately informed about UEFA EURO 2008™.
• 88 per cent expect a positive impact on the economy - which would be felt primarily in the areas of catering, tourism and retailing.
• 85 per cent were happy that UEFA EURO 2008™ is taking place in Austria.
• 77 per cent believe that UEFA EURO 2008 will have a good or very good impact on Austria’s image in the world
• 93 per cent of Austrians believe that the planned security measures will be sufficient.
Organisers happy
Austrian Football Association president Friedrich Stickler, board chairman of Euro 2008 SA, was delighted with the results. He said: "I'm very pleased. The survey provides impressive confirmation that our preparation work is bearing fruit and that we’re on the right track.” Austria’s 2008 tournament director Christian Schmölzer said: "These are really great numbers that we can be happy with. Having such positive sentiment across the country a year ahead of the championship isn’t something one can take for granted."
(Source: ©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved)
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