Russia promises ‘Football feast’ for 2018 FIFA World Cup

Russian President Vladimir Putin has received the 2018 FIFA World Cup signed certificate from FIFA President Joseph Blatter at the finale of Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium on Sunday, Jul 13, 2014.

Putin promised for “an unforgettable football feast” when Russia will host the 2018 World Cup. The country has already planned a budget of around $19.5 billion for the extravaganza.

While major portion of the money will be spent on building 12 stadiums, the rest will be allocated for relevant infrastructure across 11 host cities like Moscow, Kaliningrad, Saint Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Saransk, Samara, Volgograd, Sochi and Yekaterinburg.

President Putin expressed confidence that after successful hosting of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, they will do all they can to make the event a success on the highest level.

Russian Television, RT TV has reported that the money comes from federal funds and investments which will be used for modernization of roads and construction of stadiums. President Putin had said that Russia will waive the visa regime for participants and fans of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

A federal law has already been passed enabling a special visa regime for foreigners helping to organize the 2018 championship. Participants (athletes, referees and coaches) and fans can visit Russia without visas before and during the competition.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter praised Russia’s preparations that have already started. The building works are expected to begin in August or September so that all the venues will be ready in time.Looks like the football fever has already started catching up with Russia at least.