FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has said that the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia has gone beyond all expectations and that the football world will continue to stand with Russia in order to ensure a lasting legacy.
“It’s been a great adventure here in Russia and all of us, both here and outside Russia, have enjoyed it. Particularly, a lot of pre-conceived opinions have changed.
Infantino said the organizers of the event impressed the world beyond all expectations, and this had gone on to change the world’s perception of Russia.
“We have seen that Russia has changed from what we all believed. The World Cup has shown a real football country. Football has now become part of Russia’s DNA.”
“People have discovered a beautiful country, which has welcomed people of all nationalities, whose people have been eager to help, and which is rich in culture and history.”
“The legacies of all this will no doubt help put FIFA on the top in football, and we in FIFA will be there by Russia’s side to ensure football continues to live in this country,’’ he said.
Infantino also praised the volunteers and other members of the competition’s workforce, saying they gave life to the event.
“There are more than 100,000 people who have been involved in one capacity or the other. They are, with their smiles, the heart and soul of this very successful event.
“It has been the best ever, especially because of the volunteers, and FIFA is grateful to all, particularly the Russian government and people of Russia, for proving us right,” he said.