Sports

Putin opens World Cup draw ceremony

Putin opens World Cup draw ceremony

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) is watched by FIFA president Gianni Infantino as he speaks before the 2018 soccer World Cup draw in the Kremlin in Moscow, on Friday, December 1, 2017. Photo: AP

MOSCOW: Russian president Vladimir Putin has formally opened the World Cup draw ceremony at the State Kremlin Palace. The president made a five-minute speech after arriving on stage with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Putin urged people to visit and enjoy a country 'so big and multi-faceted.' 'We will do everything to make it a major sporting festival,' he said, looking forward to a World Cup of 'friendship and fair play, values that do not change with time.' READ ALSO:

  • Russian Deputy PM Mutko defiant about Olympic scandal