FIFA Wraps Up Russia Visit

By The Associated Press

Aug. 20, 2010

FIFA wrapped up a four-day visit to assess Russia's potential to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, and warned on Thursday that construction of stadiums and infrastructure must begin immediately if the bid is successful.

In addition to the venue proposed for the final, Moscow's Luzhniki stadium, Russia is vowing to construct up to 10 new stadiums from scratch.

The inspection committee arrived on Monday and visited the four potential host cities of St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kazan and Sochi.

Its head, Harold Mayne-Nicholls, said Thursday that the visit had been "excellent" but that "work would need to start immediately" if Russia wins, "to guarantee that everything will be in place right in time."

FIFA will announce the winner of the 2018 and 2022 bids on Dec. 2.

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