Russia is ready to introduce a visa-free regime for participants and guests of the FIFA World Cup in 2018, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with members of the FIFA Inspection Commission.

“We are ready to give additional governmental guarantees regarding the visa-free regime for participants and guests of the World Cup and the travelling of the foresaid categories of people between the cities, where World Cup matches will be held,” he underlined.

Putin pledged to the FIFA officials, who are currently visiting Russia to evaluate the country’s bid to host the World Cup that if Russia were granted the right to host the World Cup in 2018 all necessary football facilities would be built “timely, at the highest level and meeting your requirements.”

He also noted that necessary sports facilities would be built and reconstructed regardless of the fact, whether or not Russia was granted the right to host the World Cup in 2018.

“We will reconstruct and build all the same major facilities, which should be used for the World Cup, regardless of the fact, whether or not we are granted the right to host the World Cup,” Putin stated.

“There is much to be done, but it is good from the FIFA point of view,” the Russian premier noted.

“I refer to the football development in this part of the world, including Russia,” he elaborated.

“Certainly, we need your permanent assistance and support, consultative and friendly, as well as common work, as we are doing with the International Olympic Committee during preparations to the Sochi Olympics-2014,” the premier addressed the FIFA officials.

The prime minister also pledged that necessary funds for the development of infrastructure and construction of sports facilities will be envisaged in the budget and private investments will be attracted either.