Meeting today in Moscow, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter had one topic on the top of their respective agendas: the 2018 / 2022 FIFA World Cup™ and in particular the bid Russia is pursuing to win the right to host football's supreme competition. Their conversation also encompassed other important considerations such as the socio-cultural significance of the "beautiful game" and its popularity among youth.

Prime Minister Putin welcomed the FIFA President at the White House in the Russian capital for the meeting. During their conversation he reiterated the government's commitment regarding the bidding for the right to host either the 2018 or 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup™, emphasising that "on October 9, I signed an executive order in order to make this process more official."

Blatter: "Your chances are good"

Stating that he has to adhere to the principle of neutrality, FIFA President Blatter expressed his gratitude to the Russian government and the Russian Football Union deciding to officially submit an application to host the World Cup™.

"Those documents which I was able to review command respect. I think that if you continue with the same verve and the same attitude, then your chances are good", the FIFA President said.

During a lunch meeting, Sports Minister and RFU President Vitaly Mutko had apprised the FIFA President of the bid details. With respect to the legacy goals that Russia will be pursuing, Blatter commented that "such a concept is being realised here in Russia. So the Russian application gives rise to my most earnest sympathy."

Football a school of life

Prime Minister Putin and FIFA President Blatter were in full agreement regarding the socio-cultural role that football plays all over the world, a topic that they have been discussing over the years during various encounters and meetings.

Prime Minister Putin made it a special point to inform FIFA President Blatter about the current development programs Russia is undertaking in this respect: "We have a program for the development of football to the year 2015. Corresponding federal funds have been allocated and the regions are also allocating funds.  Before the end of this year, we plan to build 600 new pitches, including indoor pitches."

Blatter praised Russia for its efforts for football and in favor of youth. "It may be said that football is the school of life. A person who plays football may not become the best footballer, but he will become a better person."

Note to the media: the transcript of the meeting and pictures can be accessed at the official website of the Russian Prime Minister at: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/3907.html

For more information:

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E-mail: info@rfs.ru

International Media Coordinator
Andreas Herren
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E-mail: andreas.herren@externuscomm.ch