Vladimir Putin: First of all, I would like to thank the members of the FIFA Executive Committee for awarding the 2018 World Cup to Russia. Their decision is definitely in keeping with FIFA’s philosophy of developing world football, especially in those regions of the world where it is most needed. We love football in Russia, we understand what football is all about, and our country has everything it needs to host the 2018 World Cup at a level worthy of this tournament. Of course, there is still much we need to do: building stadiums, airports, hotels and roads… Herein lies the challenge, and herein lies the advantage of our bid, which was about the development of world football and the development of the sport, road and transport infrastructure in our country, the infrastructure that will be used not only by football players and fans, but by all Russian citizens.

I would especially like to congratulate all the fans of sport in our country, all the fans of the wonderful game that is football. Today is like a holiday for us.

I would like to assure the FIFA leadership that we will do everything to ensure that the 2018 World Cup is held at the highest level. Thank you very much.

Question: Will you go to Zurich?

Vladimir Putin: I will go to Zurich. I promised the members of the Executive Committee that if Russia’s bid wins, I will come in order to thank them personally and to talk about our common plans to prepare for the World Cup…

Question: Did you believe that our bid would win?

Vladimir Putin: Yes, of course.

Question: So you had no doubts?

Vladimir Putin: No.

Question: What made you so confident?

Vladimir Putin: My confidence was based on the fact that Russia deserves to host the World Cup. Remember that Russians played football even during the Second World War, even in Leningrad during the siege. And that, I think, speaks volumes. It shows how our people feel about sport in general and football in particular. It shows that sport has always been something our people leaned on for support, and I am sure that we can organise this work properly. That’s the first point I want to make.

Second, it shows that Russia is trusted. There is trust in its potential and readiness. Even though some facilities are not yet ready, its economy and its social and political spheres are ready to host this kind of event. I mention politics because political stability is also important if long-term plans are to be made. Without it long-term plans are hard to formulate. For all these reasons, I was confident that we could win.

Question: What will this success mean for the country’s economic development?

Vladimir Putin: It will have a positive impact because Russia’s main challenge is to diversify its economy and develop its infrastructure. Preparation for the World Cup solves at least part of this challenge, infrastructure development. Thank you.