MOSCOW, May 27 (RIA Novosti) – Crimea and Sevastopol, recently reunified as part of Russia, could theoretically be involved in hosting the 2018 World Cup, Russia's chief organizer for the event said Tuesday.
"Theoretically, they may be involved, since they are no different from any other subjects of the federation,” the chief organizer of the event, Alexei Sorokin, said at a press briefing.
“The requirements are the same for everyone, if they comply with them, then we shall consider [their entry]. Still, FIFA will not make any exceptions in the requirements for them. There must be an airport ready to accept certain types of aircraft, a decent hotel, a football field with a stand containing 500 seats, and appropriate light fixtures."
The governing board of Russia’s 2018 organizing committee met on Tuesday. Sorokin and the chairman of the committee, Russian Minister of Sport Vitaly Mutko, were among the participants.
Matches for the 2018 FIFA World Cup are to be held in 11 Russian cities, and all of the stadiums are either being built from scratch or undergoing major renovation. Sorokin has promised the arenas will be completed nearly a year ahead of the first kick-off.
