FIFA president Sepp Blatter (L) hands over a copy of the World Cup to Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov after the announcement that Russia is going to be host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2018, in Zurich December 2, 2010.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter (L) hands over a copy of the World Cup to Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov after the announcement that Russia is going to be host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2018, in Zurich December 2, 2010. REUTERS

Football fans needs not worry about securing visas ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia as Moscow is planning to scrap the requirement all together for match ticket-holders as well as footballers from the European Union.

Stating that the country would like to create a special atmosphere during the tournament, President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday said that he would pursue other governments to consider the proposal.

We should make progress on the visa regime, but honestly, we would like to scrap visas between Russia and the European Union altogether, he told reporters outside his residence.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Valdimir Putin announced that the government intends to spend about $10 billion on the preparation for the tournament.

According to our estimates, construction of stadiums and surrounding infrastructure will cost us about 300 billion rubles ($10 Bn), which is comparable with expenditures on the preparation of the World Cup in South Africa, Putin said on Thursday.

The prime minister sought the help of business circles including Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, the owner Chelsea football club, to contribute to the arrangements.

Russia secured 22 votes of FIFA executive members in two rounds to beat Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium and England to win a chance to host the World Cup in 2018.

European union Russia Dmitry Medvedev Portugal