5 Jun 2018 16:10

Moscow authorities prepared to host 2018 FIFA World Cup

MOSCOW. June 5 (Interfax) - The Russian capital is prepared for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the Moscow mayoral and governmental press service said.

The city is prepared for the men's world soccer championship, Nikolai Gulyayev, head of the Moscow Sports and Tourism Department, reported to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin during a Moscow government meeting on Tuesday, the press service said in a release.

According to the Moscow administration, the capital's hotel network includes 1,453 hotels and other accommodation facilities that have undergone the classification procedure and attributed to a certain 'stars' category. Their total hotel room capacity amounts to 73,900 rooms that can accommodate up to 201,500 people.

In addition, fans and participating teams will be using hotels and other collective accommodation facilities situated in Moscow's close vicinity. The total number of rooms there is approximately 8,300 and the accommodations can host 17,800 people.

A total of 32 stationary first-aid stations, 55 mobile first-aid teams and 600 medical workers will be mobilized in Moscow to provide medical treatment to fans and participants during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he authorities said.

Moscow is planning to engage at least 8,700 volunteers during the tournament. The bulk of those volunteers worked at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and has some knowledge of English.

The world soccer forum's cultural program comprises more than 70 events, such as exhibitions, festivals, ethic fests, interactive shows and fairs where products from different regions, artisans and craftsmen are sold, the administration said. The World Cup's cultural agenda also includes the FIFA Fan Fest, it said