Sepp Blatter: "Russia will be a fantastic host"

Sepp Blatter has insisted that Russia will be "a fantastic host" for the 2018 World Cup ahead of the draws for the qualifying stage of the tournament.

Switzerland's attorney general is investigation allegations of corruption and bribery in the bidding process for the next two World Cups.

However, the FIFA president, who recently announced that he will be standing down from the role, said at the draw: "Today is an important day in the long and winding road to the World Cup 2018. We are on track, Russia will be a fantastic host. It will be a wonderful moment for Russia, the rest of the world and for football.

"Hundreds of thousands of visiting fans will come to Russia for the first time in their lives and will be met with warmth, friendship and real Russian hospitality."

Russia beat England and joint bids from Belgium and the Netherlands plus Portugal and Spain to win the right to host the event.