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
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