Blatter vows 'total support' to Russia for 2018 WC

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, has told Russian president, Vladimir Putin, that the organisation has complete trust in the country hosting the 2018 World Cup and vowed 'total support' in their preparation.

Blatter met Putin in a meeting before the draw for the qualifying competition for the finals at St Petersburg.

Blatter said that the world's football governing body will always be behind Russia and give total support to the 2018 World Cup, Sport24 reported.

He insisted that football does a lot for peace and it is very important, especially, in the current geopolitical scenario.

Meanwhile, Putin said Russia will do everything to make sure that the sportsmen and supporters who come would feel at home and the fans who watch the television feel that they are participating in a grandiose international sporting festival.

He added that Russia has 'a long history of football' and World Cup was an opportunity to show a multi-faceted and open Russia that can 'surprise and inspire'.