Russia ready to introduce visa-free regime at FIFA World Cup 2018

"We are ready to give additional governmental guarantees regarding the visa-free regime for participants and guests of the World Cup and the travelling of the foresaid categories of people between the cities, where World Cup matches will be held," he underlined.

Putin pledged to the FIFA officials that if Russia were granted the right to host the World Cup in 2018 all necessary football facilities would be built "timely, at the highest level and meeting your requirements."

He also noted that necessary sports facilities would be built and reconstructed regardless of the fact, whether or not Russia was granted the right to host the World Cup in 2018. "We will reconstruct and build all the same major facilities, which should be used for the World Cup, regardless of the fact, whether or not we are granted the right to host the World Cup," Putin stated.

He recalled that the World Cup could be held at 16 stadiums in 13 cities, which would be divided into four clusters. "The stadiums in Moscow are already under reconstruction, you have already seen the stadium reconstruction in St. Petersburg," the premier noted. The FIFA Inspection Commission will also examine the infrastructure in Kazan and Sochi, where matches are also planned, Putin noted. The prime minister briefed the FIFA officials on the major work, which is being done as preparations to the Sochi Olympics. "The infrastructure is being developed actively there, major sports facilities are under construction, major sporting arenas are under construction right on the Black Sea coast, where football matches can be held," he pointed out; Kazinform cites Itar-Tass.

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