Epress.am News from Armenia
Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Tuesday gave his wholehearted backing to Russia’s World Cup bid, as he met FIFA inspectors evaluating the viability of it hosting the showpiece for the first time.
He added that Russian authorities were ready to put into action a visa-free regime for the participants and the guests of the event. Russia is hoping to host either the 2018 or the 2022 World Cup.
The Russian strongman said that Russia would do everything to hold the World Cup at the highest possible level, if FIFA decided to entrust Russia with the holding of the football’s biggest extravaganza.
“If FIFA grant us the honour to hold the World Cup we are ready to provide them with all possible government guarantees,” Putin said.
“That means we are ready to put into action visa-free regime for the participants and the guests of the World Cup.
“Russia will hold the event at the highest possible level,” the prime minister added.
Putin added that construction and reconstruction works at the country’s possible World Cup facilities would take place even if Russia’s bid to host the 2018 tournament failed.
FIFA inspection chief Mayne-Nicholls replied that he was delighted to see the Russian government was fully supporting the country’s World Cup hosting bid.