Russia to host 'highest-level' FIFA World Cup

Russia vowed Thursday to hold its first FIFA World Cup in 2018 at the highest level possible.

A working group from the "Russia-2018" organising committee has stayed in Brazil for the whole duration of the 2014 World Cup, from June 12 to July 13, Xinhua quoted Russian Football Premier League head Sergei Pryadkin as telling reporters, adding the group had gained " necessary knowledge".

"I am positive that the next World Cup, which Russia hosts, will be organised at the highest level possible," he said, adding that the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games had testified Russia's capability to host major international sport events appropriately.

The baton of the FIFA World Cup was passed to Russia shortly after the final Germany-Argentina clash July 13 in the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and FIFA President Sepp Blatter attended the hand-over ceremony.

Putin said earlier this month that Russia will introduce a specialised visa-free entry policy during the FIFA World Cup it hosts in 2018.

Under the regime, not only its participants but also the fans could come to Russia without visas on the eve and during the games.

The overall cost of the World Cup-2018 is estimated at 20 billion dollars. Most of the money will be spent on the 12 stadiums and relevant infrastructure in 11 host cities.