Russia on Sunday made their status as hosts of the 2018 World Cup official when signing FIFA's declaration of appointment. The ceremony formally confirmed the decision by FIFA to appoint Russia as hosts of the 2018 edition of the football extravaganza.
The declaration was signed by FIFA president Sep Blatter, Russia's sports minster Vitaly Mutko and Alexei Sorokin on behalf of the local organising committee and Sergei Fursenko and Nikita Simonyan, who serve as the president and the first deputy president of the Russian Football Union.
Blatter congratulated Russia again on their victory and expressed his confidence that football's biggest event will be hugely successful on its debut in Eastern Europe.
Sports minister Mutko, who is also a member of FIFA's Executive Committee, said: "We are delighted by the trust that FIFA puts into our capabilities and into the bold promise we have given with our bid," he said. "I can assure FIFA and the football world that we are fully committed to deliver and to excel beyond all requirements."