Russia: FIFA President Sepp Blatter gives Putin 'five stars' for 2018 World Cup preparation

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with FIFA President Sepp Blatter on the sidelines of the SportAccord Convention in Sochi, Monday. Blatter praised the Russian effort with regard to the preparation and organisation for the 2018 World Cup, saying that Putin personally deserved "five stars". Blatter also noted that Russia has not only kept up with the plan submitted regarding preparations, but exceeded them. He indicated that this was a first in his entire 40 years working for FIFA. The FIFA president went on to critise "some politicians" who have questioned the fact that Russia are hosting the tournament, telling them to "stay home" while the event takes place. Putin acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, calling it equal to the one Russia faced when they held the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, and pledged not to let down the world's football supporters with the way the tournament will go ahead. The 2018 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Russia between June 14 and July 15, 2018.