FIFA president Gianni Infantino is excited about the upcoming final draw for the 2018 World Cup in Russia which will take place on December 1 in Moscow. World Cup champions Diego Maradona and Fabio Cannavaro are coming to the capital of Russia specially for this procedure.
Aleksander Abramov has more information from the head of FIFA.
The World Cup is not just the biggest and most prestigious football tournament on the planet. It's good PR for the country hosting the finals. Millions of fans travel over for the tournament, and the TV viewership of the previous World Cup in Brazil, for example, exceeded 3 billion people. Before, during and, most importantly, after every World Cup, there's a surge of interest for the host country and a change in its image. All of that is soon going to happen to Russia as well.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President: "We can expect the World Cup in Russia to change the perception of Russia. We all have biases, including biases for countries, and Russia is not an exception. The World Cup host countries have all experienced that, and I believe that the upcoming World Cup will also change the way Russia is seen in the world. The world will see a country that is open, welcoming and hospitable. Next year, from June to July, Russia is going to have an amazing football event".
The first sales period is about to end now. More than 600,000 tickets have been sold already, while the number of requested tickets totals 3.5 million. But a new round of sales will start very soon, on December 5. By that time, the draw will determine who plays who and in which city.
Gianni Infantino: "Everything's been done for the fans to come to Russia and enjoy the World Cup. For example, Russia's authorities have introduced the FAN ID which will allow ticket-holders to enter Russia without a visa, travel by train between the host cities free of charge and enjoy other perks. If you're planning to get a ticket, you should hurry. We've already received 3.5 million requests. Although everyone will still get a chance to buy a ticket and enjoy the tournament".
For Gianni Infantino, the tournament in Russia will be the first World Cup with him holding the title of FIFA president. Last summer, a year before the World Cup, Russia hosted the Confederations Cup which traditionally takes place before its big brother. While the Confederations Cup was hosted by 4 cities, there will be 11 cities hosting the World Cup. The geography of the event is further extended by the 30 cities where the national teams will be living and practicing.
Gianni Infantino: "Well, we expect to discover 11 host cities in this huge country called Russia. Many people know Moscow or St. Petersburg. But other big cities, like Sochi, Kazan, Kaliningrad and others are also waiting for the cup. Modern football stadiums have been built in all of them, including the amazing Luzhniki where the opening and final games will be held. On every arena, you'll be able not to just watch the game, but also feel the drive. Every city has a rich history, and all of them are worth discovering".
A video assistance referee system has been tested on the Confederations Cup. Whether it will be used on the World Cup is yet to be decided. But right now a seminar is taking place in Abu Dhabi for the 36 judges aspiring to work in Russia. The key topics of the seminar include consistency in refereeing, as well as the use of video assistance technology.
Gianni Infantino: "We expect the decision on the use of replays during World Cup Russia to be made in March, 2018. So far, we can say that our experience with this system was very good. It's already helping referees to avoid serious mistakes which no human is exempt from. In the end, it's all for the benefit of the referees and teams. Naturally, we'll also be using goal-line technology".
There are also anti-discrimination efforts. The World Cup referees will have a unique right to stop or even cancel the game if any issue of intolerance arises— a right that everybody hopes there will be no reason to use.
Gianni Infantino: "For the first time in the World Cup history, we'll introduce in Russia a three-step procedure to fight discrimination. The referee will be able to pause or even cancel the game in case of any racism or other discrimination incidents. We have zero tolerance for them, and there will be harsh measures in place".
Aleksander Abramov and Alina Kasumova. Vesti.
