Russia will find out later on Thursday if its bid to win the right to host the 2018 World Cup has been successful when FIFA unveils the hosts for the tournament after a vote in Zurich.
The Russians are favorites to get the nod, but face stiff competition from both England and a joint bid by Spain/Portugal.
England’s bid is widely thought to have been undermined by media investigations into FIFA corruption, although the odds on it hosting the tournament for the first time since 1966 decreased after the men at the centre of the latest probe said the BBC’s Panorama investigation would have no bearing on their decision.
Russia’s main selling points have been an appeal to FIFA’s sense of legacy and mission to take open new borders. Russia has never hosted a major football tournament. The team behind the Russian application has also stressed the massive state support for the bid.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s decision not to travel to Zurich for the bid has led to rumors that he is not sure Russia will win and does not wish to be associated with defeat. Russian officials have said however that there is no need for him to travel, as Russia is certain to win.
"I would have liked to have gone and presented the bid myself, but under such circumstances I have decided against this journey out of respect for the FIFA executive committee members," Putin said.
Putin, who earlier secured victory for Russia's Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics bid, said he wanted to give FIFA executive committee members an opportunity "to make an impartial decision in a calm atmosphere and without any outside pressure."
The decision is due at 15:00 GMT.
MOSCOW, December 2 (RIA Novosti)
