Yekaterinburg’s Central Stadium and the potential fan zone were presented to the FIFA officials during their first inspection of the city, which is aspires to host the World Cup 2018. Head of World Cups 2014, 2018, and 2022 Jurgen Muller and Russia 2018 Coordination Committee’s Director-General Alexei Sorokin had a chance to evaluate the city’s preparedness for the championship and to inspect the key sites in the company of Head of Sverdlovsk Region Government Vladimir Vlasov, Physical Education, Sports & Youth Policies Minister Leonid Rapoport, and acting Mayor of Yekaterinburg Sergey Shvindt.

This was Muller and the FIFA representatives’ first visit to Yekaterinburg.

Central Stadium’s DG Vadim Vorobyev told the delegates about the city’s main arena’s potential. He said the stadium could fit 27,000 spectators and was already up to the highest European standards. On Victory Day, the Russian Cup’s final match was held there, which proved Yekaterinburg could host major Russian and international sports events.

The organization of a fan zone is one of the key provisos for holding a football championship. Historic Square in the heart of Yekaterinburg is one of the possible sites. According to head of Yekaterinburg Council Architecture, Urban Development, and Land Issues Administration Mikhail Vyatkin, a large platform could be build across the River Iset if necessary, which will provide a place fit for 35,000 to 50,000 supporters. A large screen is expected to be put up next to Malyshev St, so all the football fans can watch the games. The fan zone will be available throughout the entire championship period.