Poland and Ukraine have been chosen to host the 2012 UEFA European Championships. It will be the first time that either Poland or Ukraine have hosted a major football championship.

"Finally, the big event is going to the countries which have had no opportunities to improve football," said Polish Football Association chairman Michal Listkiewicz.

"This big tournament will be a milestone in the common history of two Slavic nations."

Ukraine president Viktor Yushchenko promised both countries would host an "extraordinary" sporting event.

"Holding the 2012 European championship will be a wonderful opportunity for Ukrainians and Poles to welcome the best representatives of Europe's soccer family and produce an extraordinary sporting event," he said.

"We will be able to show millions of fans the unforgettable charm of their cities and the history they have preserved so beautifully and put on display of Slav hospitality and culture."

The UEFA Executive Committee reached its verdict after examining the three bids on the final short list to stage the tournament in five summers' time – Poland/Ukraine, Croatia/Hungary and Italy.

www.uefa.com