By Paul Nicholson
August 12 – Russia’s prime minister Dmitry Medvedev has called for a close monitoring of the costs of building the infrastructure for the 2018 World Cup, following the financial plan that already exists. He also insisted that the preparations should be made to the highest standards and that the experience of hosting a successful Olympics has shown the way in this regard.
Speaking at a meeting with his deputy prime ministers, he said a FIFA delegation will conduct an investigation visit to Russia later in the year and that that the Russians are ready to show them the preparations so far.
“Money that is earmarked to build (the infrastructure) is reserved, but (we are) taking into account the current situation, we need to fit into the capacity that exists,” said Medvedev.
Outlining plans in more detail, sports minister Vitaly Mutko said 1 million fans were expected for the Confederations Cup in 2017 and the World Cup the following year
There is a major modernisation of the Russia infrastructure taking place, including the refurbishment of 10 airports and a new airport at Rostov-on-Don to be rebuilt.
Mutko said that overall there are 300 different infrastructure projects on the schedule ranging from three metro stations planned in Nizhny Novgorod and St Petersburg, to extensive road improvements, modernization of power utilities as well as more general municipal infrastructure.
The total cost of the regional investment in the infrastructure build will be about 100 billion rubles ($2.8 billion). While the 2018 World Cup will be played in 11 cities, the tournament will actually take place in 20 more cities who will host teams but not matches. Mutko said that the entire European part of Russia will be involved in the world cup one way or another. There will be 64 training facilities and 102 training pitches to accommodate the 32 teams.
If the preparations for the stadia and infrastructure are on schedule, the prime minister was not so sure about the team on the pitch saying to Mutko: “I, of course, not like you – can not guarantee the level of performance of our football team, but for everything else we must prepare properly.”
And in the spirit of inclusivity, Russia’s Deputy Sports minister Yuriy Nagornych has said that one of the bases for Russian footballers to prepare for the 2018 World Cup could be Crimea, though Crimea will not host matches as the venue plan was agreed with FIFA more than two years ago.
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