Putin added the issue to March 24's meeting of the Government Presidium of the Russian Federation, and has overseen progress on the guarantees since. The documents now having been signed, they will form part of the official bid presented to FIFA on May 14.
Putin said: "The World Cup preparations will not only require a large number of new sports facilities. They will also mean that we must develop - and are certain to do so if our bid is accepted - additional infrastructure: airports, roads, hotels and other tourist facilities in at least 10 major Russian cities, if not more. All of that would remain to be used by our people for decades to come.''
Meanwhile, Football Federation Australia chief executive officer Ben Buckley believes forecasts of social and economic growth in Asia make a compelling case for his country, which joined the Asian Football Confederation in 2006.
Australia and Russia step up World Cup bids
ESPN
April 19, 2010
