Despite Russia's major political problems, FIFA president Sepp Blatter believes that the world's largest country can host the best World Cup in 2018.
Currently, the European Union has imposed economic sanctions on Russia due to the recently annexed Crimea, but Blatter does not even consider the possibility of moving the most important football tournament elsewhere.
Meeting with country's president Vladimir Putin on Monday, Blatter spoke that sports and politics have nothing in common.
"I am a happy and proud president," the FIFA chief told Tass in Sochi. "I am proud that Russia is planning to host the World Cup."
"Almost everything should be thanked to President Vladimir Putin, but also to the Minister of Sport Vitaly Mutko and the head of the organizing committee Alexey Sorokin. They are a real team and maintain excellent working relationships."
"Some people do not want the World Cup to take place in Russia, but we have only one answer to that: we are only interested in football, so we will not let politicians interfere."
"Everything is going according to plan and nothing will prevent Russia from hosting the best World Cup of all time. The economic situation is not the best, but I know it will improve."
Controversy over the hosts of the tournament is not new. Last year, when Brazil hosted the World Cup, the largest country in South America was hit by waves of protests because, despite widespread poverty in the country, billions were invested in the tournament.
