Project execution for 2018 FIFA World Cup low: Russian minister

The execution of the budget for the 2018 World Cup football preparations is at a low level, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Wednesday.

"As of today, we are at a low level of the budget execution. The design and estimate documentation is the most complex thing. I'm even ashamed to give figures," Mutko said at a meeting of the working group under the Coordinating Council for the 2018 World Cup preparations.

The overall budget for the 2018 World Cup preparations stands at 616.2 billion rubles ($9.5 billion), of which private investments account for 32 percent.

"The discipline of fulfilling instructions is very low. Next time we'll take disciplinary measures," Mutko said.

According to the minister, world football governing body FIFA's inspection team will visit the St. Petersburg stadium in October, but its construction progress is a concern.

"Progress in building the stadium in St. Petersburg causes concern," he said.

"FIFA's president keeps an eye on the project personally. We've set a date. In October, FIFA inspectors will visit the stadium. The possibility of moving the FIFA Confederations Cup from St. Petersburg elsewhere is not on the agenda," he added.

Earlier, the St. Petersburg authorities severed the contract for building the stadium on the Krestovsky Island with the general contractor -- Inzhtransstroi-SPb.

Also, it handed over to law enforcement agencies evidence concerning a deficit of 2.5 billion rubles ($3,85,92,100) the contractor had failed to explain.

The company's management said the severing of the contract might cause disruption of construction deadlines. It is expected that the stadium will be ready in December 2016.

--IANS

sam/vt