FIFA legal delegation impressed on first official trip to Russia

By David Gold

May 23 – FIFA’s legal delegation has concluded its first official visit to Russia ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

During the bidding process, which Russia won last December, its Government signed guarantees which FIFA requires host nation to comply with.

The Government also promised free transport for fans between the host cities and visa-free entry to the country for ticket holders, as well as the construction of stadiums fit to host the tournament.

The delegation met with Vitaly Mutko, Russia’s Sports Minister as well as a member of FIFA’s ruling Executive Committee, and Alexei Sorokin, the newly appointed chief executive of Russia 2018.

Joerg Vollmueller, the head of the FIFA delegation, said: “We feel extremely positive about our first working visit to Russia.

“We were very impressed by the quality of the preliminary legal work done by the LOC (Local Organising Committee).

“We also highly appreciate the commitment of both the executive and legislative branches of the Russian Federation to draft and adopt the World Cup Law.

“We have no doubts that FIFA, together with Russia, will be able to secure an effective and mutually beneficial legal framework for the World Cup in Russia.”

The Local Organising Committee and the Government have set up a working group to develop a special law required to govern the preparation for the tournament, which is expected to be submitted to the Duma by the end of 2011.

Mutko said: “We presented to the FIFA delegation the concept of the future law.

“The members of the delegation shared their comments and thoughts but appreciated the overall progress of the work done so far.

“The FIFA legal team saw that Russia is working at a good pace and is committed to succeed.”

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