3 Jun 2015 13:00

Kremlin didn't expect Blatter resignation, Russia continuing preparations for 2018 World Cup - spokesman

MOSCOW. June 3 (Interfax) - FIFA President Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter's resignation shortly after his reelection for another term came as a surprise to Russia, but Moscow is continuing to work with him as long as he is performing his duties, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.

"We still don't possess the information on what caused this resignation. We presume that Mr. Blatter is currently continuing to perform his duties until the next congress, and therefore our work and interaction with FIFA is continuing, and, most importantly, Russia is continuing preparations for the 2018 World Cup," Peskov told journalists on Wednesday.

He reaffirmed that Blatter's resignation was a surprise to Russia.