The Russia 2018/2022 Bid Committee will sponsor the "Red Square Lounge", a networking Café at Soccerex 09 in Johannesburg.

The Russian bid, which has already received praise from the FIFA President, will be in a position to promote itself to some of the most influential figures in the international football community including FIFA Executive Committee members Franz Beckenbauer, Rafael Salguero, Ricardo Teixeira and Jack Warner. The presence of the Red Square Lounge at the heart of the Soccerex exhibition will give the bid committee the opportunity to highlight Russia's quest to host its first ever World Cup.

Alexey Sorokin, CEO of both the Football Union of Russia and the 2018/2022 Bid Committee commented: "The 'Red Square Lounge' refers to Russia's most iconic place while also conveying a sophisticated, cosmopolitan feeling that is representative of today's Russia. Having such a visible presence at Soccerex will be an integral part of our promotional activity to present and explain the unique features of the Russian bid and help us to secure the attention of the key decision makers in football."

Soccerex 09 will run from 28 November to 2 December in Johannesburg, South Africa.