- Title: Russia's Putin bids farewell to World Cup on eve of final
- Date: 14th July 2018
- Summary: VARIOUS OF CONCERT STARTING
- Embargoed: 28th July 2018 21:49
- Keywords: FIFA World Cup World Cup final France v Croatia Vladimir Putin
- Location: MOSCOW, RUSSIA
- City: MOSCOW, RUSSIA
- Country: Russia
- Topics: Sport,World Cup
- Reuters ID: LVA0028OPY3PJ
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:The World Cup has helped changed people's view of Russia, FIFA President Gianni Infantino told an audience at an event in Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre on Saturday (July 14), standing alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The tournament, which ends on Sunday with the final between France and Croatia at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium, has transformed "the perception that the world has about Russia," Infantino said.
"We did a good job together," he added, nodding to Putin.
"Thank you Mr. President for your kind words," Putin said in English, which he rarely uses in public.
Putin told an audience of former soccer stars including Brazil's Ronaldo and Marcel Desailly as well as Russian government officials, he was sad that the tournament was almost over but he also noted that it had helped improve the country's image.
The month-long tournament has been held without major security incidents, while concerns about possible racist incidents and hooligan violence that were raised in the run-up have not been borne out.
Many fans from around the world have also spoken of a positive experience at the World Cup in Russia.
Putin said that Russia was eager to see World Cup fans return to the country after the tournament. Fans entered Russia without a visa, using a fan ID instead - a document mandatory to enter stadiums that proves its holder has been vetted and approved by the authorities.
"In Russia, we are always glad to see our friends, both old and new, now that we have so many more of them," Putin said. - Copyright Holder: POOL (CAN SELL)
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