© EuroFootball.com
Russia triumphs - in this country, the final stage of the World Football Championship will be held in 2018. Just four years later, the championship was unexpectedly entrusted to Qatar, although the United States proposal was considered a favorite.
Both decisions were made by the 22-member FIFA Executive Committee.
In the battle, Russia defeated England, represented by the country's Prime Minister David Cameron, Prince William, and footballer David Beckham, as well as the joint proposals of Spain-Portugal and Belgium-Netherlands.
Taking over the baton from Brazil, where the championship will take place in 2014, the Russians are ready to improve infrastructure and allocate 10 billion dollars to address other issues.
Speaking about Russia, FIFA President Sepp Blatter stated: "I am sure that organizing the championship in that region, or on that continent, is the right decision, bringing many benefits to this part of the world."
"I can promise that you will never regret this decision," - the first Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Igor Shuvalov, could not hide his joy. - Let's make history together."
The country, whose Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was not represented at the announcement ceremony, also promises not to require visas from fans. Putin promises to personally thank FIFA for the rights earned.
Qatar had to compete with Australia, South Korea, the USA, and Japan. Interestingly, FIFA had previously considered the winning country as a "risky option" to host the championship.
Russia
Joy of the Russian delegation:
Russian promotional clip:
Clip about stadiums in Russia:
Qatar
Success smiles on Qatar:
Qatar's promotional clip:
Qatar's stadiums:
