FIFA President Supports Russia Hosting 2018 World Cup
FIFA President Joseph Blatter has expressed his unwavering support for Russia hosting the 2018 World Cup, despite calls for its relocation.
“We do not raise the issue of the World Cup to be held in Russia. We are in such a situation that we express our trust to the organizers of ‘AA-2018’ and ‘AA-2022’,” Blatter was quoted as saying by the German DPA.
Blatter also addressed concerns about potential boycotts, stating that such action would be unproductive. He cited the upcoming report of the FIFA Ethics Committee, which is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Russia and Qatar’s hosting rights.
The statement comes amidst recent reports of the European Union considering sanctions that could potentially lead to Russia’s expulsion from FIFA and UEFA, ultimately depriving them of the right to host the World Cup.