The announcement came as Russia celebrated 100 days to go until the tournament begins with the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 14. Photo: Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich
By Liam Morgan for Inside the Games website, Mar 6, 2018 Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich has officially replaced Vitaly Mutko as head of the local Organising Committee for this year's FIFA World Cup in Russia, it was announced today. Dvorkovich takes over from fellow deputy Prime Minister Mutko, who resigned in December after claiming he wanted to focus on his Government work. Mutko, who also relinquished his role as head of the Russian Football Union, maintained he would still play a role in delivering the tournament despite stepping down. Today's announcement, however, means the former Sports Minister now has no Governmental involvement in preparations for the competition. It was initially planned that Russia 2018 chief executive Alexey Sorokin would be the replacement for Mutko. Dvorkovich was confirmed as the chairman of the Organising Committee today, however. The 45-year-old, considered a close ally of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and a key player in Russian politics, will be tasked with coordinating the tournament at a Government level, according to FIFA and officials in the host country. […] https://www.insidethegames.biz/article ... ommittee-to-replace-mutko
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