MOSCOW, 23 March 2010 – Some eight months before FIFA will award the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups on 2 December 2010, Russia’s bid to host football’s flagship competition is gaining further momentum.
At a recent cabinet meeting Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin acknowledged the concerted efforts of the bid team and urged both government and bid officials to forge ahead with any support the bid may need to complete all necessary formalities with FIFA by the May due date for the bid book.
The bid for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup was tabled at the meeting by First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, who expressed his hope that Putin would take a leading role in the final stages of the bid presentation, which will take place at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich in early December 2010.
Sports Minister Mutko attends meeting of FIFA Executive Committee
Meanwhile, on 18 and 19 March, Vitaly Mutko, Minister of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy, attended the meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee in Zurich, the body that will decide the next hosts of the 2018/2022 World Cup.
Speaking to international media during his stay in Switzerland, Mutko hailed the important role that is being played by Russia’s political leaders President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin. “Both of them do everything that they can to support our bid.” He also stressed that the bid was a national priority, with the World Cup of crucial importance for the development of the country.
“Sports are fundamental to the fabric of Russian society and this is reflected in the state-led programmes to boost sporting activities and enhancement of the necessary facilities”, Mutko said.
“Russia has already been embarking on a major drive to expand the country’s infrastructure and will continue to so, regardless of whether or not we will be granted the honour and privilege of hosting the FIFA World Cup”, Mutko added. “At the same time, we are about to introduce a draft bill for further development of tourism, amendments to accommodation certifications and other related initiatives, with a special focus on the host cities that will be proposed to FIFA as part of the bid.”
Bid book work in final stages
The Russian Bid Committee is also finalising work on its bid book that will have to be delivered to FIFA by 14 May. Led by CEO Alexey Sorokin, the Bid Committee has identified and compiled the relevant information that is being required by FIFA for detailed assessment by its experts, ahead of the inspection visit that will take place from 16 to 19 August 2010.
For more information:
Russian Football Union Media Office Phone: +7 (495) 926 13 00 Fax: +7 (495) 926 13 05
E-mail: [email protected]
Russia Bid Committee for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup™ Andreas Herren, International Media Coordinator Mobile: +41 (79) 799 0046
E-mail: [email protected]
