Russian Lawmaker Bets $300 on Belgium Winning World Cup

By The Moscow Times

July 3, 2014

Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the outspoken head of the Liberal Democratic Party has backed Belgium to win the tournament. Denis Abramov / Vedomosti

In light of Russia's early exit from the World Cup, lawmaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky has backed Belgium to win the tournament, offering up almost $300 to anyone who cares to bet against him.

Zhirinovsky, the outspoken head of the Liberal Democratic Party, or LDPR, made the 10,000 ruble wager in comments posted Thursday on his Twitter account, telling interested parties to "write to me here or call my press service."

And it seems Zhirinovsky was not short of takers, as he later posted a message saying: "Empty words will not be accepted. Let there be a security deposit. Everything will be done honestly."

While Zhirinovsky did not appear to be fussy about who he'd make the wager with, there was at least one person he said he wouldn't consider — musician Bari Alibasov, who he accused of breaking the conditions of an earlier bet.

"If you don't keep your word, sit down and stay quiet," Zhirinovsky wrote on his Facebook page.

Zhirinovsky is no stranger to a flutter, having earlier backed the Russian team to beat Algeria 2-0 in its final match of the group stages. Russia eventually drew 1-1, and Zhirinovsky will be hoping he has more luck with his latest bet.

Belgium takes on two-time tournament winner Argentina on Saturday, with the victor advancing to the semi-finals of the World Cup

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