Exclusive: Siegler - A World Cup in Russia would unify the region

By Andrew Warshaw

January 23 – Markus Siegler (pictured), the newly appointed special advisor to Russia’s 2018 World Cup bid, insists the country has all the has necessary attributes to stage the tournament and is determined to use his unique contacts to bring it about.

In his first full interview since joining the Russian bid, Siegler, the former FIFA director of communications, said he was looking forward to taking on England and the other bidding nations and anticipated a fair fight in the months leading up to the decision in December.

“If you enter into a race, you want to win it,” said Siegler.

“That’s the reason they hired me because they expect substantial help.

“This is now my ambition, and nothing else.

“Russia is a strong football nation that has never hosted a major football tournament.

“It’s a country in transition.

“Staging the World Cup would really unify the whole region.

“I strongly believe they deserve to stage it.

“Bidding processes are based on team work but you also need a bit of luck.

“I believe in this project, otherwise I wouldn’t do it.

“I’m convinced of the commitment at both Government and regional level.”

Significantly, Siegler has joined another former FIFA employee, Andreas Herren, as a vital cog in the Russian campaign and will shortly be travelling to Angola for the final stages of the African Nations Cup to start his advisory role.

“Obviously I know the processes of international football and the relevant people personally,” he said.

“So in that respect I hope I can bring something to the table.”

In his five years as Sepp Blatter’s head of communications, the well-connected Siegler was the public face of the organisation, fronting news conferences at almost every major FIFA event.

Yet despite his previous public image as a suave and effective trouble-shooter, the Swiss-based one-time journalist insists he has not taken on his new role to return to the international limelight.

“I intend keeping a low profile and not being a spokesman or anything like I used to be.”

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