Sepp Blatter believes in Russian Football

January 20th, 2009 | by: j | Comments(1)

With Russia poised to submit an application for the 2018 World Cup, FIFA President Sepp Blatter is very confident of Football in Russia and their efforts to host the tournament. In a revealing article at media giant “Sports Express” the FIFA president spoke of Football in Russia.

When asked of whether he believes the RFU will formally submit an application for the World Cup, Mr. Blatter replied:

“I have no information but a feeling. I have no right to insist but I think that the mere idea of this application is very good. After all there is also 2022 not only 2018, for I remind you there is no more clear system of rotation of the continent holding the World Cup. At least Russia can request all documents necessary to make an application form and officially announce about its interest of having the tournament. And later if it is impossible to comply with all the requirements one can easily recall the application. But at the moment I have a feeling that Russia is going to compete.”

Citing the problem of stadium construction in which the financial market meltdown has culled construction of new stadiums for CSKA Moscow, Spartak Moscow and Zenit Saint Petersburg, it was asked whether he felt Russia would be able to host the Cup:

“I am absolutely sure: you are able! Look, Russia is one of the main countries in the world. It is not just big but huge nation. And there are no doubts that it can properly organize the World Cup.” In consideration of the recent Champions League final in Moscow, Mr. Blatter noted that,”the final was organized ideally. At the same time with paying compliments to organizers of the final of this unique tournament I want to mention that there are 64 matches in the final stage of the World Cup and not one.”

Explaining the success of Russian Football, he added:

“No doubt that in Russia we have a group of talented football players. And they managed to show themselves because of the serious organization and new structure of the Russian football. Now it is a professional structure, pyramid that let young players expose themselves. And it is important that in Russia all kinds of football: women’s, youth, mini-, and beach football are being developed now. In general it is ok that Russia becomes powerful country in the world football. It should be this way.”