"I would like to inform you that the executive committee has recently adopted a new resolution in which FIFA assures the Russian Federation of its full support in carrying out the World Cup in Russia in 2018," Blatter said, speaking at the opening the ceremony of the preliminary draw in St. Petersburg.
Blatter was speaking alongside Russia’s President Vladimir Putin who welcomed the decision saying that the country is ready for the championship.
"We will do everything to provide security at the championship," Putin said. "I would like to reiterate that all obligations undertaken by Russia will be implemented.”
Putin added that a series of measures have been taken to ensure the comfort of players and fans, including visa-free travel for those with World Cup tickets, RT reported.
“Holding the championship is one of our key goals, it’s a good opportunity to show the world the multifaceted and open Russia which can amaze and inspire,” he said.
"Today is an important day. We are looking forward [to an] exiting evening, [an] exciting draw and exciting Russia," Blatter added.
Over 200 states have signed up for the preliminary draw which was carried out at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna.