Russia offers to help Trinidad as they seek votes for World Cup 2018 election

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

June 8 – Russia has offered to help Trinidad and Tobago “in any way possible” in what seems to be an effort to persuade FIFA vice-president Jack Warner to vote for their World Cup bid ahead of England.

The offer was extended by Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, who is also a member of the FIFA Executive Committee, when he met Warner in Johannesburg where officials are gathering for the start of the World Cup there on Friday (June 11).

Mutko also again invited Warner to visit Moscow and meet Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (pictrued above with Mutko).

Earlier this year Warner turned down the opportunity to meet Putin after he took a step back from his football activities to concentrate on the Trinidad and Tobago General Elections.

Warner was part of the successful coalition that won the Election and was recently appointed as the Minister of Works and Transport.

England are in a close battle with Russia to be awarded the 2018 World Cup and Warner’s vote when FIFA holds the election in Zurich on December 2 is seen as crucial if either side are to win.

He said: ”This pledge is entirely unexpected, and I look forward to seeing how this development materialises.

“I am only an unexpected facilitator in this process.

“I will pass the mantle on to our capable Minister of Sport Anil Roberts to continue discussions with his Russian counterpart on this matter.”

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