President Vladimir Putin is still likely to host the World Cup in 2018 despite an FBI investigation into Russia’s winning bid, but his hopes of staging a tournament that impresses his critics are fading.
Not only is the event mired in scandal because of corruption allegations hanging over FIFA, soccer’s governing body, but the Russian government is being forced by an economic crisis to trim spending on its preparations.
Putin will do all he can to ensure the finals are not taken away from Russia – and to boost his own image as well as his country’s – especially as a presidential …read more
Source: Voice of America
