Putin reassures Blatter over 2018 World Cup host

Vladimir Putin and Sepp Blatter (Image credit: www.foxsports.com)

Despite the lost of almost half of its ruble value last year under pressure from the sinking world oil price and international sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured FIFA President Sepp Blatter that the country's economic problems will not affect its ability to host the 2018 World Cup, AP reports.

During a visit to Russia on Friday, Blatter said Russia's preparations are ideal, especially following Brazil's troubled and delay-ridden run-up to the 2014 World Cup.