The GUM department store on Red Square, one of Moscow's iconic buildings, will witness the official launch of Russia's bid for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cups. The Football Union of Russia invites Russian and international media to attend the official bid launching ceremony at the GUM Demonstration Hall on Friday, 9 October 2009, starting at 10.30 am.

The ceremony will feature the unveiling of the official bid logo as well as the bid website and provide an overview on the main aspects of the bid. Milestones of the bidding campaign will also be announced and information on Russia's World Cup Bid Ambassadors given.

The media conference will be followed by a small cocktail reception and snack lunch.

What:

Official ceremony to launch Russia's bid for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cups

When:

Friday, 9 October 2009, 10.30 am

Where:

GUM Demonstration Hall (1 line, 3^rd floor), 3, Red Square, Moscow

Schedule of events

10:00-10:25

Attendees arrive, media registration

10:15-10:30

Doors open, attendees take their seats in GUM Demonstration Hall

10:30-12:00

Media conference and bid launch ceremony
Photo calls
Interview opportunities in mixed zone area
Lunch reception
A media area with free Wi-Fi internet connectivity will be available.

Interested media are kindly requested to apply for accreditation:

Marya Yartseva
MediaPRoject Agency
Tel/Fax: +7 495 730-74-48
E-mail: Marya.Yartseva@MediaPRoject.ru

For further information on the bid, Russian media may contact the press office of the Football Union of Russia at:

Phone: +7-495-926-13-00
Fax: +7-495-926-13-05
E-mail: info@rfs.ru

International media contact:

Andreas Herren
International Media Coordinator for Russia's 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup bid
Mobile: +41-79/799 00 46
E-mail: andreas.herren@externuscomm.ch