Russian Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko hailed Russia's political stability as a key factor in avoiding the problems Brazil has faced as host of this year's World Cup, including large-scale protests and unfinished stadiums.
"The country that hosts a tournament of this magnitude should be stable politically," Mutko said at a press conference on Tuesday, ITAR-TASS reported. "This is what we have and thus should not have any problems [in hosting the 2018 World Cup]. Brazil is a federal state and provincial leaders has extensive prerogatives. Elections were held and the new leaders did not want to fulfill their obligations toward FIFA."
Mutko added that all Russian regions involved in hosting the 2018 World Cup had adopted its development program, which will be carried out regardless of elections or changes in regional leadership.
Despite his analysis of Brazil's political situation, Mutko conceded that problems are bound to occur in all large scale events, and that the country would certainly host a high-level event. The Minister also noted that there had been no complaints regarding Russia's preparations for its own World Cup.
Russia has pledged to build 12 new stadiums for the 2018 tournament. The country does not currently have a stadium that fulfills FIFA requirements.
See also:
Ukraine Says Russia Should Lose Right to Host 2018 Football World Cup
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
