Sepp Blatter and Fifa put on brave faces at Russia 2018 draw amid graft scandal
PUBLISHED : Sunday, 26 July, 2015, 4:39am
UPDATED : Sunday, 26 July, 2015, 8:28am
Agence France-Presse in Moscow
FIFA President Sepp Blatter, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin open the preliminary draw for the 2018 soccer World Cup in Konstantin Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. Photo: AP
Fifa and Sepp Blatter last night attempted to put world soccer's corruption crisis aside at a 2018 World Cup qualifying draw hosted by Vladimir Putin at a Russian state residence.
The outgoing Fifa boss and the Russian president joined each other on stage to open a draw ceremony that is the sport's first major public event since US and Swiss authorities began criminal investigations of corruption in the game two months ago.
"Thank you President Putin, you make us happy and comfortable," said Blatter, making his first trip outside his native Switzerland since mid-May. He has avoided Fifa business in countries which have extradition treaties with the United States.
Putin and Blatter got a standing ovation from Russian and soccer officials and guests when they walked on stage together in a temporary venue built in the grounds of Konstantin Palace.
"We are here to launch a football marathon," Putin said through a translator, of the 32-team tournament that will kick off in almost three years' time after around 850 qualifying matches. The preliminary rounds will decide 31 qualifying slots for teams to join host Russia at the month-long tournament in 11 cities.
Blatter had earlier promised Fifa's full support to Russia, whose selection as cup host in 2018 - and that of Qatar in 2022 - has come under intense scrutiny. "We say yes to Russia, we are providing our support," Blatter said .
Moscow has portrayed the US probe that saw Fifa officials arrested in May as a Westernorchestrated attempt to strip Russia of its right to host the World Cup.
Blatter - who has announced he is stepping down - could be interviewed for the Swiss case, which is investigating suspected money laundering linked to the 2018 and 2022 bid contests. He denies any wrongdoing.
The draw was conducted by Blatter's right-hand man, secretary general Jerome Valcke.
Associated Press, Agence France-Presse
