Keep 2018 World Cup standard high despite money crunch: Dmitry Medvedev

Moscow: Despite financial limitations, Russia must organise the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the same high standards as set during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Monday.

"I can`t guarantee the success of our football team, but all the rest must be done properly," Xinhua quoted local reports as saying. Noting that the next inspection of International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to Russia is scheduled in autumn, Medvedev stressed that "everything must be done as it is due." Medvedev said proper preparations for the 2018 World Cup would require significant financing, which he hinted could not be increased because of "current circumstances". According to Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, about one million visitors might attend the World Cup games scheduled in 11 host cities. The preparations for the event require the implementation of about 300 infrastructure projects in those cities, as well as in 20 more cities included in the visitors` accommodation service programme. Russian Football Premier League head Sergei Pryadkin vowed July 31 to hold Russia`s first FIFA World Cup at the highest level possible. The overall cost of the World Cup is estimated at $20 billion. Most of the money will be spent on the 12 stadiums and relevant infrastructure in 11 host cities.