Europe's aristocrats clash in tasty Kiev finale

Football's aristocrats will compete for the continent's crown on Sunday when Spain seek to extend their domination of Europe against a revitalised Italy who threaten to end their reign.

Between them Spain and Italy have produced 25 European champions at club level but this will be the first time their national teams have met for the European Championship.

Few would question their places in the final have been earned.

Read more: Europe's aristocrats clash in tasty Kiev finale - Chicago Tribune

EU chief Barroso won’t go to Ukraine for the Euro 2012 championships over rights concerns

The chief of the European Union’s head office will not go to Ukraine during the European soccer championships in June unless there is a swift improvement in the human rights situation there.

Several other top officials in Europe joined EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Monday in piling the pressure on the leadership in Kiev in support of jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

Barroso announced he will follow the lead of EU’s Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding who also said she would skip the ceremonial Euro2012 opening on June 8.

The tournament, Europe’s most important soccer championship for national teams, is being co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine from June 8 until July 1.

For more: EU chief Barroso won’t go to Ukraine for the Euro 2012 championships over rights concerns - The Washington Post