A FIFA delegation is to arrive for a three-day official visit to Russia on Monday to consider Moscow's bid to host 2018 or 2022 World Cups.
Russia is competing with England, Australia, the United States, Spain and Portugal and Belgium and the Netherlands to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Japan, South Korea and Qatar are bidding only for the second tournament.
"We have taken into account all FIFA's requirements considering our [Moscow's] sports, housing and transport infrastructure as well as other aspects of preparations to host the championship. Moscow is one of the world's sports capitals and is ready to host any international sports event," Alexei Baidakov, a Moscow deputy mayor, said.
FIFA officials already paid visits to Japan, South Korea, Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands. After visiting Russia, the delegation will fly to England.
FIFA will appoint hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups on December 2. The 2018 tournament is expected to be given to a European bidder, meaning the 2022 event would be held on a different continent.
MOSCOW, August 16 (RIA Novosti)
