Intro:

Despite FIFA's scandals, Sepp Blatter says the organisation remains committed to 2018 World Cup host nation Russia - during a meeting on Saturday (25th July) with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the qualifying draw, the FIFA president told Putin that "we say yes to Russia, we are providing our support" and that the Russian people "can be proud" of Putin as Blatter spoke in St. Petersburg, which he called the "Pearl of the Baltic.''

Script:

SOUNDBITE (German) Joseph Blatter, President of FIFA:

"FIFA fully supports and trusts Russia in terms of the organisation of the 2018 World Cup. We are confident of the work presented by (Russian Sports) Minister (Vitaly) Mutko and Director (of the World Cup 2018 organising committee Alexei) Sorokin at this meeting. And one more time - we say yes to Russia."

SOUNDBITE (German) Joseph Blatter, President of FIFA:

"It's very important in the current geopolitical situation that we not just talk about our desire to make the world better, but we have to do something with the handshake for peace, that we do something for peace through football and in this case you are in demand, and it's great what we can do. So I thank you, I thank Russia and I thank the Russian people. The Russian people can be proud of you of course and of the World Cup."