Sepp Blatter 'Fully Trusts and Backs' Russia for Hosting World Cup 2018

Russian President Vladimir Putin and FIFA President Sepp Blatter hosted the World Cup preliminary draw in St. Petersburg on Saturday, July 25. In a meeting before the draw, Blatter told Putin that FIFA “fully backs and trusts Russia” to organize the 2018 tournament. Neither mentioned the ongoing corruption crisis that has plagued FIFA. This video shows parts of Putin and Blatter’s meeting.

The draw put Spain and Italy, champions of 2010 and 2006, in a group, and pairs old rivals England and Scotland together. Credit: YouTube/FIFATV