The organizing committee of the international football tournament, unofficial Embassy World Cup Russia 2017, has given a press conference at the Russian Foreign Ministry’s press center.
Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Information and Press Department Maria Zakharova made the opening remarks. The festive sporting event will take place before the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the ministry spokesperson said. “It will provide a platform not only for sporting events but also for an informal exchange of opinions on a broad range of issues, including the preparations for and holding of the FIFA World Cup Russia. I am sure that the tournament will support and bolster friendship, cultural, social and humanitarian relations, and trade between the participating countries,” Zakharova said in her greetings.
The first unofficial Embassy World Cup Russia 2017 to take place at the Eduard Streltsov Sports Complex in Moscow on September 23-24 was organized by the Russian Foreign Ministry, GlavUpDK under the MFA of Russia, and Football Market Group.
Russian Football Union First Vice-Chair and legendary football player Nikita Simonyan welcomed the Embassy Cup initiative and wished clean and spectacular victories to the contestants.
Svetlana Chumikova, Director of the Public Relations Directorate of GlavUpDK under the MFA of Russia, and Football Market Group President Yury Belous told the press about preparations for the international tournament.
“All diplomatic missions accredited in Russia have been invited. Diplomats are very enthusiastic about the idea. Embassies of the countries known for their football achievements have shown an interest in the tournament. These are the embassies of France, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, Senegal, and South Africa,” Chumikova said.
A football tournament was a part of the 19th Summer Diplomatic Games held on August 26 in the GlavUpDK affiliate, the Zavidovo Recreation Complex, as well, she said. Sixteen teams of diplomatic missions participated in the tournament.
In turn, Belous told the press about the Cup regulations and the procedure for accrediting the participants. He said that the teams must consist of embassy staff members only.
The international football tournament, unofficial Embassy World Cup Russia 2017 is expected to become a spectacular sporting event not only for diplomats who love this game, but also for their families and all football fans.