Russia 2018: "I am very pleased with the speed of the preparations" (Jerome Valcke, FIFA)

"I am very pleased with the speed of the preparations that we're seeing at the moment in Russia," said Jerome Valcke, FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) secretary general, at the third session of the supervisory board of the LOC (Local Organising Committee) of the 2018 World Cup, in Kazan (RUS) on the 29/10/2013.

"FIFA currently has three World Cups on its agenda, and since the 2014 tournament in Brazil is just around the corner, it's really important for us that Russia isn't waiting until the whole world starts looking ahead to 2018, but is responsibly pressing on in all the key areas."

At the meeting, the date for the preliminary draw was approved for the 25/06/2015 in Saint Petersburg.

Topics discussed at the meeting in Kazan, on the 29/10/2013:

• The federal programme to deliver infrastructure is at the most advanced stage.
  • The programme covers more than 300 facilities and events, 70 per cent of which will contribute to the creation and improvement of transport facilities, ICT infrastructure, energy supply systems, healthcare and communal infrastructure.
  …