This month he was banned for life from all Olympic Games after the International Olympic Committee said he was involved in a state-backed doping programme. Despite the ban, Mutko has retained his role as head of the Russia 2018 World Cup organising committee. FIFA has contacted Canadian law professor Richard McLaren about his report about state-organised doping in Russia which named several Russian footballers. “FIFA understands Mr Mutko’s decision which was also taken in the best interest of the World Cup next summer. FIFA thanks Mr. Mutko for this responsible step and for the work carried out so far for the World Cup,” said a FIFA spokesman.

Source: New Strait Times December 25, 2017 20:48 UTC