Mikhail Khryapov took part in the meeting on preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation

On 3 May, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the supervisory board of the Russia-2018 Organising Committee at Fisht Stadium in Sochi. Participants of the meeting evaluated the readiness of stadiums and other infrastructure facilities of host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Heads of the regions hosting World Cup matches also participated in the meeting via a conference call. The President of the Russian Federation and the management of FIFA listened to the governors’ reports on the work performed.

Volgograd Region was represented by the Governor Andrey Bocharov, General Director of Stroytransgaz JSC Mikhail Khryapov and Deputy General Director Khasyan Zyabirov. The main preparations for the World Cup in Volgograd Region have already been completed. Two test matches were successfully held at Volgograd Arena Stadium.

A little over a month remains before the world championship. According to Vladimir Putin, this is the “stage of pinpoint adjustment”. The President noted that Russia was ready for the competition and urged the governors of host regions to ensure the adequate reception of guests and convenience for local citizens, but at the same time “to avoid last-minute workathons and window-dressing”.

“Russia guaranteed the right of free transportation for fans for the first time in the history of world championships. More than 700 trains were additionally provided for that purpose,” noted the President.

“Almost two and a half million tickets have been already sold. Fans from the USA showed the greatest interest in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia™. Currently, ticket centres have started to operate, and therefore this ratio still may improve in favour of Russian fans,” said General Director of the Russia-2018 Organising Committee Alexey Sorokin at the meeting. “The leaders are the USA, Brazil, Columbia, Germany, Mexico and Argentina. We observe the intense activity of two countries that failed to qualify - the USA and China.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also attended the meeting. “The degree of your involvement and professionalism is really unique,” noted the head of FIFA. “I say this not because I am staying here with you, but because I have seen everything with my own eyes. Russia is fully ready to host people from the whole world and make an unforgettable celebration. Together, we make a great team as in football. We work together and we will win together. Let us make the best championship in the history.”