Moscow / Johannesburg, 10 June 2010 - Russia presented today its bid to host either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™ to the worldwide football family gathered at the 60th Ordinary FIFA Congress in Johannesburg. Making a strong case on behalf of his country was also Roman Abramovich, who spoke alongside First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov and football star Andrei Arshavin to the congress delegates visiting the FIFA Bidder Expo.

Shuvalov, Abramovich and Arshavin spearheaded a high-profile delegation of the Russian Bid Committee, including also FIFA Executive Committee member Vitaly Mutko and Russian Football Union President Sergei Fursenko, to familiarize several hundred delegates with the concept and the details of the Russian bid campaign to earn the right to host either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™.

During the FIFA Bidder Expo, the personalities and dignitaries also met with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and a large number of members of the FIFA Executive Committee.

First Deputy Prime Minister Shuvalov welcomed the opportunity to promote Russia's bid just before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. "It is most impressive to see how the FIFA World Cup is galvanising South Africa as a whole and we would be thrilled to likewise be given the honour to host the world in 2018 or 2022."

"Russia is vast and most diverse. It would be a unique experience for all participating teams and football fans to experience our country and its warm hospitality", Shuvalov added.

With his presence in Johannesburg, Chelsea FC owner and businessman, Roman Abramovich, further underlined the importance that Russia approaches to its candidature. Abramovich is supporting Russian football through a number of initiatives, specifically in the area of football development.

"Russia is a new and vibrant country with a lot of experience in staging grand sporting events," Abramovich stated. "We are an emerging football power, yet we have never hosted the FIFA World Cup™. The World Cup in Russia would be leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come, both on the pitch and beyond."

Andrei Arshavin emphasised: "We are passionate about football. Over 1.9 million people play the game in Russia."

"The ultimate dream is to play a World Cup in your country and to win it. For me that may not be possible but for the next generations of young Russian players it would be a great goal towards which to work."

Following the FIFA World Cup™, the next milestone for the bid is the inspection visit, when a delegation of FIFA experts will visit Russia from 16 to 19 August. FIFA will designate the host nations for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments at a special meeting of the Executive Committee on 2 December 2010.

For more information:

Russia Bid Committee for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup™

Julia Cooper, Communications Manager
Phone:     +7 495 660 49 80
E-mail:    

Andreas Herren, International Media Coordinator
Mobile: +41 (79) 799 0046
E-mail: