FIFA World Cup: Russia ready to welcome the world, says FIFA chief Gianni Infantino
El presidente de la FIFA, Gianni Infantino
Russia will host the tournament from June 14 to July 15 in 12 stadiums spread across cities including Moscow
Russiais "100 per centready" to host theWorldCup,FIFApresident GianniInfantino said on Wednesday as he addressed concerns about racism, human rights and security in the host country a week before the tournament begins.
Russiawill host the tournament from June 14 to July 15 in 12 stadiums spread across cities including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi andInfantinobelieves that supporters are in for a real treat.
"I think we can say thatRussiais 100 per centreadyand the wholeworldwill actually see it when we kick off on June 14 withRussiaand Saudi Arabia in the Luzhniki Stadium,"Infantinosaid in a video interview.
"Everyone will be able to witness how beautiful the stadiums are, how welcoming the country is, how the organisation and the preparations will work out. It'll be a great experience."
Russiahas faced scrutiny in the lead-up to the tournament over issues including fan and team security as well as racism at matches.
FIFAfinedRussia30,000 Swiss francs ($30,422) last month for discriminatory chants by fans after racist abuse was directed at French players during a friendly in St Petersburg in March.
"I wouldn't say that I am concerned about discrimination, human rights or security but obviously we take this very, very seriously and we've taken appropriate measures," he added.
"For the first time we have been checking the construction of stadiums, the sites to make sure conditions for the workers are correct... concrete progress has been made in terms of human rights and the way we deal with human rights questions."
Infantinopromised a "safe environment" for fans travelling to the event.
"TheRussian authorities are aware of the security situation in such a big event," he said. "They are working very hard to prepare in cooperation with police authorities of all governments in the world... to be fullyreadyto tackle any potential issue.
"Every fan that is coming toRussiawill bewelcomein a safe environment to celebrate. If anyone is thinking to come toRussiato create trouble, he better stay home."