Putin, Blatter voice mutual support at World Cup draw

FIFA's President Sepp Blatter shakes hands with Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) during the preliminary draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at Konstantin Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia July 25, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

ST. PETERSBURG - Russian President Vladimir Putin and FIFA President Sepp Blatter showed support for each other at the 2018 World Cup Preliminary Draw on Saturday, while the Netherlands and France, Spain and Italy were drawn together respectively in their European zone qualifiers.

Putin met Blatter in the historical Konstantin Palace shortly before the Draw, as Blatter travelled abroad for the first time to attend a ceremony after the so-called "anti-corruption" action launched by US and Switzerland on FIFA and the award of 2018 World Cup to Russia.

The Russian President promised that the nation will do all they can to make the 2018 FIFA World Cup "a grandiose sports event". Putin also praise Blatter for his efforts in this difficult time, "We see what's happening around football, but I know how you feel about it. We thank you for concentrating your time and attention on football above all despite this."

The US-led investigation on the alleged corruption of FIFA and the bidding of the Russian World Cup was viewed by Russian officials and Blatter as a kind of provocation on Russia and has other political attempts. At the beginning of the storm on FIFA, Putin critized US for wrong law jurisdiction, doubtful incentives to prevent the Russian World Cup as Blatter has been a firm supporter for the Russia to host the 2018 edition. In June, Putin stressed again that Russia won the bidding of the 2018 World Cup in a honest way and those who doubt this must present the evidence.

One day before the ceremony, Russian Local Orgaznising Committee CEO of the 2018 World Cup Alexei Sorokin said Blatter is a victim and a very brave person. The LOC chief said Blatter has taken more responsibility that is beyond his control to do the good for football.

Blatter told Putin that "I would like to inform you that the executive committee has recently adopted a new resolution in which FIFA assures the Russian Federation of its full support in carrying out the World Cup in Russia in 2018."

"We say yes to Russia, we are providing our support" and that the Russian people "can be proud" of Putin. The chief of FIFA also said that "in the current geopolitical situation, we need not just to talk about our desire to make the world better, but we have to do something to promote peace."