By Declan Warrington
December 13 – Russia 2018 has dismissed reports that its successful World Cup campaign is involved in an FBI investigation regarding computer hacking.
Former England 2018 staff were questioned by a team from the FBI’s “Eurasian organised crime” unit on the subject of alleged email hacking and corruption around the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid process.
While England 2018 is not regarded as suspicious, reports say that the FBI’s questioning was focused upon the Russian bid team’s activities.
When asked about the subject, the Russia 2018 Organising Committee said: “Russia 2018 will not comment on speculation: the LOC (Local Organising Committee) has not been contacted regarding any investigation, nor have we been made aware that any such investigation exists.
“We at Russia 2018 are proud of the way we conducted ourselves throughout a long and highly competitive campaign; as a LOC, we are driven by exactly the same transparency, commitment to excellence and spirit of fair play that underpinned our successful bid.
“Right now, our focus is on ensuring the momentum behind our preparations continues to build. We are already looking forward to welcoming the global football community to a celebration of the values we all share and the game we all love in 2018.”
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