Mutko, who also chairs the Russian bid, told World Football Insider in an interview last week that Putin has played “important role” since the bid’s October launch which will increase in the New Year.
“Yes he will [play a more prominent role]. He is now playing an important role. As you know he had a meeting with [FIFA] president Sepp Blatter last October. Basically he agreed that the Russian government would sign all the guarantees that run,” said Mutko.
“Last week he had a four-hour direct line with the nation, he does it every year – an extended Q&A session with the country. During the last session he was asked if he supported the bid and once again he reiterated that he supports the bid and he would do ‘anything which is necessary’ to support it.”
Putin’s direct intervention in Sochi’s bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics was considered crucial to the city’s ultimate success.
FIFA’s 24-man Executive Committee Member will decide next December which of the ten bid countries are successful in their bids to host either the 2018 or 2022 event.
