Russia officially appointed 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts

FIFA President Joseph Blatter (left) watches as Russian Premier Vladimir Putin handles a replica of the World Cup prior to a signing ceremony of finalising the status of Russia as the 2018 FIFA World Cup host country. -- PHOTO: AFP

MOSCOW - RUSSIA on Sunday made their status as hosts of the 2018 World Cup official when signing Fifa's declaration of appointment.

The ceremony formally confirmed the decision by Fifa to appoint Russia as hosts of the 2018 edition of the football extravaganza.

The declaration was signed by Fifa president Sep Blatter, Russia's sports minster Vitaly Mutko and Alexei Sorokin on behalf of the local organising committee and Sergei Fursenko and Nikita Simonyan, who serve as the president and the first deputy president of the Russian Football Union.

Blatter congratulated Russia again on their victory and expressed his confidence that football's biggest event will be hugely successful on its debut in Eastern Europe.

'Russia will do an excellent job of organising the World Cup. We share the vision and mission that football is more than just a game,' Blatter said. 'Russia boasts a great football tradition and the 2018 World Cup will act as a catalyst for social advancement, opening up new territories for the game and winning over new hearts and minds.'

Sports minister Mutko, who is also a member of Fifa's Executive Committee, said: 'We are delighted by the trust that Fifa puts into our capabilities and into the bold promise we have given with our bid,' he said. -- AFP