MOSCOW: FIFA inspectors on Monday expressed satisfaction with the results of their first tour of stadiums that Russia is preparing for the 2018 World Cup.

“It’s our first visit to Russia and we’re happy with the results for the moment,” Unger told the press.

“But we would like to see positive changes in our every new visit here.”

The commission on Monday inspected the reconstruction of Moscow’s iconic Luzhniki stadium, while on Sunday they visited Spartak Moscow’s 42,000-seat Otkrytie arena, which went into service in September.

“Spartak’s Otkrytie arena is an excellent new stadium,” Unger said, adding that he was pleased with the progress of reconstruction works at Luzhniki.

Unger said the commission had received a clear view of the state of Russia’s World Cup venues.

Published in Dawn, October 21st , 2014