Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is ready to participate in the financing of sports facilities for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, his spokesman said on Friday.
On Thursday, Russia won the bid to host the World Cup for the first time, defeating bids by England, Portugal/Spain and Holland/Belgium.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who flew to the FIFA conference in Zurich immediately after the decision was announced, also urged Abramovich, who owns the Chelsea football club, to contribute to preparations.
"We are planning to use the help of business circles to minimize state expenses in hosting the World Cup and I do not rule out the possibility that Abramovich could contribute to one of the projects," he said.
Putin also said that Russia plans to spend about $10 billion on the World Cup in 2018.
MOSCOW, December 3 (RIA Novosti)
