Prime Minister Vladimir Putin yesterday gave his wholehearted backing to Russia’s World Cup bid, as he met FIFA inspectors evaluating the viability of it hosting the showpiece for the first time.

He added that Russian authorities were ready to put into action a visa-free regime for the participants and the guests of the event. Russia is hoping to host either the 2018 or the 2022 World Cup.

Putin said that Russia would do everything to hold the World Cup at the highest possible level, if FIFA decided to entrust the country with the holding of football’s biggest extravaganza.

“If FIFA grant us the honour to hold the World Cup we are ready to provide them with all possible government guarantees,” Putin said.

“That means we are ready to put into action visa-free regime for the participants and the guests of the World Cup.

“Russia will hold the event at the highest possible level.”

Putin added that construction and reconstruction works at the country’s possible World Cup facilities would take place even if Russia’s bid to host the 2018 tournament failed.

The FIFA delegates are also expected to visit England, Spain and Portugal, who also prepared a joint bid, the US and Qatar and will draw up reports on the feasibility of each bid.

Japan, South Korea, Australia and Qatar – all members of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) – have submitted bids for 2022 only, while the others are seeking to host either 2018 or 2022.

FIFA’s 24 executive board members will choose the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts on December 2 in Zurich.

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