World cup is FIFA project, it cannot be taken away from Russia - Mutko
MOSCOW. July 29 (Interfax) - The 2018 World Cup is a FIFA project, although it facilitates the development of sports in Russia, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko told reporters.
"We are not doing it for him [former World Anti-Doping Agency head Richard Pound]! We are doing it for ourselves. This is not our project, it is a world championship. What does he mean 'Take away from Russia'? Maybe even disband FIFA? We have already seen serious pressure on FIFA. This is not our project, do not misunderstand me. The world cup belongs to FIFA," Mutko said, commenting on Pound's proposal to strip Russia of the right to host the global football championship.
He noted that Russia is hosting the championship; the implementation of this project facilitates the development of the economy and sports, the involvement of a considerable proportion of the population in sports. "The state gives vast attention to sports. Certainly, we would like our national team to perform with dignity," he said.