Vladimir Putin’s opening remarks:

Ladies and gentlemen, this meeting marks the beginning of a major preparation for the FIFA 2018 World Cup.

As we all know, three months ago the FIFA executive committee made a historic decision – at least for Russia – in Zurich, and for the first time awarded this country the right to host this prestigious sporting competition.

I would like to emphasise that hosting a tournament like this is more than an honour; the FIFA World Cup is much greater than simply a sporting event.

This month-long football marathon leaves a significant cultural and material heritage which will be used by the country and the people in decades to come. I’m referring to the aggressive development of the sport, transport and hotel infrastructure, the creation of new production facilities and jobs, new international and personal ties. Tens of thousands of people from all over the world will come to see a modern, dynamically developing and open Russia.

This event’s social dimension is equally important. The World Cup and preparation for it will help popularise sports among young people and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The world cup will be a powerful impetus for development, which is one reason we decided to bid for it. Our success in Zurich should be a prologue to a long and serious effort in the next seven years and beyond.

In making the bid, we undertook significant obligations supported by government guarantees. Naturally, we must follow through on everything we guaranteed.

Now let’s proceed to details.

According to FIFA regulations, we have established the Russia 2018 organising committee. This is the only entity responsible for the preparation and management of the world cup, and its results must be meaningful and properly organised. This is why I suggest that its board of supervisors convene at least twice a year. We will also discuss some routine issues later today.

One of the biggest issues is the construction of stadiums. It is not an exaggeration to say that this is the fundamental task in preparing for the world cup in Russia.

For some stadiums, including those in Moscow, St Petersburg, Sochi and Kazan, their status is pretty much clear in terms of what needs to be done. In other regions the organising committee, along with local authorities, will have to choose sites for building future stadiums that meet all FIFA regulations. I would like to point out that the designs of the new stadiums should involve the members of the organising committee responsible for the compliance with FIFA technical regulations.

As for funding, we need an individual approach to each region and each venue. We need to ensure a balance between federal and regional funds and private investment. I request that the Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy and the Ministry of Finance submit corresponding proposals jointly with the regional governors by June 1.

I would also like to request that Russian Railways and the Ministry of Transport consider building or upgrading fast train lines between the cities that will be hosting the world cup. Moreover, we will need to modernise the airports in the host cities.

Establishing an up-to-date legal framework is another task. We need to adjust existing Russian law to FIFA standards as fixed by our government guarantees and other binding documents. I request that the Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy and the organising committee draft the necessary bills.

There is another issue I would like to speak about.

I’m convinced that the Russian Football Union needs to actively interact with the public and football fan associations and organisations. We have given a promise to FIFA and the entire international community to hold the world cup properly, based on the principles of tolerance and benevolence. And we must deliver on this promise.

As you know, I met with supporters of Russia’s leading football clubs last December. We need to involve these public organisations in the preparations for the world cup to use their energy and positive creative potential. They should take part in the preparations and this will make them even more conscious of how this world cup will be held. This will cultivate in them a sense of ownership in this event.

There is one more issue that needs our attention today.

We need to train a strong competitive national team for the world cup. You realise that this will take more than a year or two. This laborious work should begin at the youth and junior team levels. We still have seven years to go so it will be these sportsmen who will be playing for Russia at the world cup. I request that the Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy and the Russian Football Union prepare these players for the country’s national team, and make it a priority.