Russia Sports Minister Denies Buying 2018 World Cup Hosting Rights

The Russian 2018 World Cup Organizing Committee, have released a statement denying Sepp Blatter's accusations that the hosting right for the world cup in three years time was fixed and not merited.

This follows series of discoveries in the investigations that has ravaged the world football governing body, which has led to the

extradition of some FIFA executives, as well as placed Sepp Blatter and Mitchel Platini under suspension for 90 days- having nothing to do with football matters until the ethics committee of the body clear them.

"The Russian 2018 Organizing Committee wants to stress once again that the Russian Bid Committee has campaigned for the right to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup in full compliance with the FIFA Code of Ethics and regulations that determine the rules of application," it said in a statement.

The outgoing FIFA President Sepp Blatter said earlier that Russia had gained the right to host the championship as a result of a secret agreement between FIFA senior officials. The Russian side denied knowledge of any prior agreements.

"Russia's bid was open, transparent and fully consistent with best international practices of management, and it had full support of the Russian government," the committee said. "The concept of the World Cup, presented in Russia's bid, was extremely competitive, and we are convinced that this is what has allowed our country to win the right to host this grand event."

Earlier in the day, Russia's Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko also denied Blatter's statement, saying that "There has been no fix-ups. We have won the right to the World Cup deservedly."

Russia won the bid to host the 2018 World Cup over four years ago. Preparations for the games require implementation of about 300 infrastructure projects in 11 host cities. Besides, 20 more cities were involved in visitors' accommodation service program. XINHUANET