The meeting analysed the main events to take place as part of Russia’s preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Supervisory Board discussed the priorities of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia organising committee and the regional organising committees, and cooperation with FIFA.

Mr Shuvalov instructed the Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Finance to draw up a grant application for 2012-2014.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that Supervisory Board members had made detailed analyses of bidder cities’ opportunities to host the 2018 World Cup. “Let us take stock of these cities’ weak points, and see what the federal centre can do to help them to satisfy their bids.” He believes all 13 cities deserve to host the games though final decision depends on FIFA.

Mr Shuvalov also said that the organising committee and the governors had only month to pinpoint the regions’ problems for subsequent consultations with FIFA top officials.

The organising committee received instructions to pass FIFA technical regulations and requirements for the 2018 World Cup to the regional organising committees.

The Supervisory Board members approved the proposal of Minister of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy Vitaly Mutko to establish an expert council under the organising committee. The council should attract Russian and foreign experts on construction, sport and transport to take part in independent and objective appraisal of World Cup preparations in Russia.

The Supervisory Board meeting was attended by Minister of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy Vitaly Mutko, Minister of Regional Development Viktor Basargin, Krasnodar Territory Governor Alexander Tkachev, Kaliningrad Region Governor Nikolai Tsukanov, St Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko, Volgograd Region Governor Anatoly Brovko, 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia CEO Alexei Sorokin and Russian Football Union President Sergei Fursenko.