Blatter opposes 'any boycott' of 2018 WC in Russia, backs Putin's government's preparations

FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has opposed any boycott of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and has backed the huge preparations undertaken by President Vladimir Putin's government for the mega event.

Blatter said that a boycott would never give any positive effect, adding that they trust the country and its government. He said that FIFA unconditionally supports the staging of the World Cup by Russia.

Diplomatic sources had said last month that European nations were discussing a possible boycott of the World Cup because of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Some politicians in Britain, Germany and the United States have called on the world football governing body to withdraw the World Cup from Russia.

Blatter said that when they receive letters from North America asking for the World Cup to withdrawn, they tell them that this is football. He added that Russia is the world's biggest country, and is in the eye of the international media.

The FIFA boss also said that football cannot only unite Russia but show the whole world that it is stronger than any protest movement.

He compared the situation with Russia's hosting of the Winter Olympics in the Black Sea resort of Sochi this year, when Western leaders stayed away. He said that there was the same situation ahead of Sochi, but neither during nor after the Games, has there been a single word against these Games.

Blatter was in Moscow to check up on Russia's preparations for the sporting extravaganza and to attend a ceremony for the official launch of the championship logo. He said that he was happy with the nation's work on the 2018 World Cup.

Twelve stadiums in 11 cities are to be used, the report added.