Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has established an organizing committee for the 2018 World Cup and ordered an increase in spending on sports.
Putin also said at a meeting with sports officials late Monday that the country must do well in the World Cup and at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
“Our task isn’t only to prepare well for them and hold these events to the highest possible standard, but ensure our teams perform successfully,” Putin said.
The government has earmarked 90 billion rubles ($3 billion) for sports over the next three years, including 39.5 billion rubles ($1.3 billion) for this year, Putin said. He ordered officials to focus on improving physical training at schools.
(AP)
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