R. Minnikhanov held a meeting of the republican organizing committee for the preparation for the World Cup-2018

(KZN.RU, March 3). Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of the RT, held the meeting of the Republican Organizing Committee “Russia-2018” on the preparation and holding of matches of the World Football Championship in Kazan in 2018 today in the Cabinet of Ministers of the RT. Alexey Pesoshin, the prime minister of the RT, Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, Alexey Sorokin, the general director of the Organizing Committee “Russia-2018”, and others took part in the meeting.

Opening the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov reminded that there are less than a hundred days left until the World Cup-2018. Despite the fact that the stadium “Kazan Arena” was repeatedly tested and successfully hosted the Cup of Confederations Cup 2017, it is necessary to carefully prepare for the World Cup football matches, said Rustam Minnikhanov. The head of the RT marked that the World Championship is not only the preparation of the stadium and training bases for football players. Kazan as a whole will become a visiting card of our country, said Rustam Minnikhanov, and it is necessary that the city prove itself as one of the best or the best one in the country.

Facades of houses, roads, and other objects have to be fixed, everything has to be ready for the reception of athletes, fans, tourists, said the President. According to him, this is a great opportunity for Kazan to once again express itself in the country and in the world.

Alexey Sorokin, the general director of the ANO “Organizing Committee “Russia-2018”, noted that Kazan is one of the most important regions for the reception of guests and athletes. He reminded that Kazan will become the base city for the placement of football teams from Australia, Colombia, and Japan. There will also be matches of Germany, Spain, France, Poland, Korea, and Iran football teams. Alexey Sorokin said that the stadium “Kazan Arena” does not require major changes to the World Cup matches but the work will be carried out to expand the temporary infrastructure (broadcasting zone, media center zone).

The fan festival will be held in Kazan within the framework of the World Cup. FIFA attaches special importance to this event, said Alexey Sorokin. “We have a lot of work to do these days”, he said. “But I'm sure that we will manage”.

The main report was delivered by Vladimir Leonov, the minister of Youth Affairs and Sports of the RT. The minister, in particular, spoke about where the football teams of Australia, Colombia, Japan will be based, the stadiums that will be used for pre-match training, and other organizational issues.

A test match will be held between the FC “Rubin” and the FC “Ufa” at the stadium “Kazan Arena” in May, within the framework of which all important organizational issues will once again be worked out. The ticket center of the FIFA will be opened at a time in all cities where the World Cup matches will be held (April 18, 2018).

The FAN ID issuance centers will work in the same place as during the matches of the Confederations Cup-2017: the Kazan International Airport, the stadium “Kazan Arena”, centers in Kazan at Chetaev Street, №10, and Bauman Street, №44.

A cultural program is planned for fans and guests, the events of which will be held in parks and squares, on other cultural sites of the city. Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, told about the preparation and holding of the fan's festival in Kazan during the World Cup.

Lenar Safin, the Minister of Transport and Road Facilities of the RT, reported on transport provision during the championship. City public transport will provide free transportation of spectators during the matches with tickets to the match, reports the press service of the President of the RT.

At the end of the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov urged to work out carefully all the issues related to preparations for the World Cup events. The impressions of visitors depend on the way the city meets guests and sportsmen, how quickly they can organize their transportation to hotels, and the cultural program. According to the head of the RT, there have to be no faults, every issue is important.