Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has cast his support behind FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who is facing an investigation as part of bribery scandal.
Putin dismissed the charges against Blatter as "complete nonsense" on Friday.
Blatter is at the center of a widening bribery scandal as he runs for a fourth and final term as president.
Putin said he was sure that the corruption allegations would have no impact on the FIFA election this week.
FIFA awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia, and Putin spearheaded the bid.
(AP)
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