October 10, 2013. Sverdlovsk Region Government’s Vice Premier Valentin Gripas checked how effectively all the ministries and departments in charge of preparing for the world football championship of 2018 were getting ready for the big event, Sverdlovsk Region Government Press Service & Information Department reports.

‘A number of crucial decisions have been made by now, and the region is now working on an action plan to prepare for the World Cup. An ad hoc work team is being set up to make this process dynamic. The team will have representatives of the ministries in charge, and they will meet daily if necessary,’ Gripas pointed out at a recent meeting.

He reminded all those present that a FIFA inspection will take place in Yekaterinburg in mid-October. The delegates will look into issues relating to preparations for the Mundial.

‘We need to present the results of our work so far, make a presentation of the Central Stadium reconstruction and of how we plan to keep its unique appearance, tell the visitors how we intend to use the infrastructure for the good of the local residents after the big event is over. And, while our guests are in Yekaterinburg, we have to show them what the Ural hospitality is like,’ the Vice Premier said.