Kazan, where the draw for the Confederations Cup was held, has been praised by the FIFA president

(KZN.RU, November 28, Alsu Safina). Kazan is ready not only for the Confederations Cup, but also to the World Cup in 2018. According to Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, it was noted by all the guests who arrived last week in the capital of Tatarstan to take part in the draw of the football tournament, which will be held in Russia in 2017.

“The scale of the world, broadcasting to the whole world. It is difficult to imagine a greater amount of VIP-guests of the football world”, the Mayor shared his impressions of the draw.

He thanked the heads of departments of the Executive Committee and the Government of Tatarstan, the President's Office of the RT, representatives of the federal government for their support to this important event, which took place on November 26. The Mayor of Kazan stressed that much for the draw was done by Vitaly Mutko, the deputy chairman of the Russian Government. “Serious work has been done. The protocol of the FIFA event is the most severe. Rules stricter than in football. Nevertheless, we coped with honor, received the highest rating from Gianni Infantino, the president of the FIFA, and his colleagues”, said Ilsur Metshin.

The Mayor of Kazan called the results of draw very interesting. He reminded that the Russian team will play against New Zealand in the opening match. The teams will meet in St. Petersburg. “We are fortunate that the Portuguese national team, the current champion of Europe, will play with the national team of Mexico in our city. This is a great gift for not only fans, but also those who are still far from football”, assured Ilsur Metshin. “People are flying across the ocean for these holidays, you cannot miss them. I recommend to buy tickets and to attend the match”.

“To see the champions from all over the world on one platform - it's worth it”, added the Mayor. “For us it is an opportunity to tell about our people, traditions, culture, a new level of accomplishment, security. All this will be left for Kazan residents and guests”.

As acknowledged by the Mayor, he was surprised by reaction of guests, including Gianni Infantino, the President of the FIFA, who were impressed by the city. “We have so much work on the image of the city and the republic, on their tourist appeal. It would seem we are growing in the number of tourists: we have crossed the bar at 2 million. Nevertheless, many feel that other life does not exist in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg”, said Ilsur Metshin. “They were amazed by our rich history and culture, a powerful industrial potential, friendly and educated people, university, and presence of sports infrastructure”.

It is necessary to work more actively to represent Kazan and Tatarstan outside the country, sure the Mayor. “They are discovering that there are such civilized megapolises in Russia, as the eighth wonder of the world, with genuine surprise. This is a great revelation for them”, said Ilsur Metshin.

“It's great that Kazan has grown along with the republic and the country to such a level. There is nothing broader in the sports world than the World Cup. Although this is not just a sport, it is the largest coverage of the TV audience”, said the Mayor.

According to him, it is necessary to make all the organizational work to hold the Confederations Cup and the World Cup at a decent level, as it was for the Universiade and the World Cup in water sports.