Russia: Putin and FIFA's Infantino launch volunteer campaign for World Cup

Russian President Vladimir Putin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino took part in the ceremony to open the volunteer recruitment campaign for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The event took place on the stage of the Green Theatre at Moscow’s VDNkH park on Wednesday.
Putin announced that “there are 742 days left until the beginning of the main event in world football which will take place for the first time in our country”. He said “Russia will host 32 of world’s best national football teams and today we are starting the 33rd and largest team – the Volunteers Team 2018”.
Infantino also addressed the crowd, saying a few phrases in Russian, as well as promising "to the world that thanks to you, the volunteers and the people of Russia, they will witness the best World Cup ever in Russia in 2018."
The two figures were joined on stage by footballing legends Carles Puyol and Soviet goalkeeper Rinat Dasayev. Each guest signed a ball which was then handed over to volunteers.
Also present at the ceremony were Russian Sports Minister Vitali Mutko, as well as other prominent officials and sportspeople.
The recruitment process is due to finish by the end of 2016 and is expected to attract around 5,000 volunteers for the 2017 Confederations Cup as well as 15,000 volunteers for the 2018 World Cup.