The Ukrainian national broadcaster is facing with financial difficulties that may cost this year's participation of the Eastern European country in Dusseldorf according to News.am. If that will happen, the 2005 host country will have to pay a special fine to the European Broadcasting Union as the rules clearly say that no country should withdraw after the official deadline set to December 26th.
Ukraine’s position in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest is under threat as NTU, the country's national broadcaster, may not be able to afford the large sum of money needed to fund their national entry.
NTU is in financial crisis after failing to pay off debts accumulated in recent years and as a result the 2005 host country may have to take a step back, allowing money to be put to use elsewhere within the television company. Not only will this exclude Ukraine from Eurovision 2011 but they will have to pay a hefty £150.000 fine as a ‘no show’ participation fee. There has been no comment from the broadcaster as of yet.
At this stage, the Ukrainian national selection process is proceeding as normal, suggesting the that broadcaster has not taken any decision about withdrawing from the competition to be held in Dusseeldorf in May. Last year, the global financial crisis saw Hungary miss out on participating in Oslo. Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania were all rumoured to be withdrawing but went on to take their places on stage in Norway.
Ukraine’s first and only winning song at the Eurovision Song Contestwas Wild Dances by Ruslana in 2004. The country is one of the most successful in recent years, with two second place finishes from Verka Seduchka and fan favourite, Ani Lorak.
This article was submitted by Michael Down
