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Russia wants 800 million euro from FIFA for 2018 World Cup

"I believe we shall find a compromise amount and approve the budget by the end of the year," Mutko said and described the meeting as "positive"

ZURICH, December 2 (Itar-Tass) —— Russia wants to get 800 million euro from FIFA for the 2018 World Cup but the association so far agreed to provide 600 million, Russian Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko said after a meeting with FIFA President Sepp Blatter and General Secretary Jerome Valcke on Thursday.

“We estimate the budget at 800 million euro, but so far we agreed on 600 million with FIFA,” he told Tass and specified the amount is intended for the lease of stadiums, broadcasts, team accommodation and travel, etc. It does not include investments into infrastructure.

FIFA earmarked 500 million euro for the latest World Cup in South Africa which cost a total of 1.2 billion euro. But Mutko said the rules have changed since then and the host country no longer receives proceeds from sponsorship, advertising and ticket sales.

“All money goes to FIFA, therefore we lawfully insist on compensation,” Mutko said.

He said discussions with FIFA would continue. “I believe we shall find a compromise amount and approve the budget by the end of the year,” Mutko said and described the meeting as “positive”.

The sport minister said early next year FIFA will inspect all Russian cities bidding for the right to host 2018 World Cup and the final list of stadiums will be approved by October. It will include 11 cities and 12 stadiums. At present 13 cities and 15 stadiums are bidding.

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