FIFA’s Infantino: Russia gave pledge that crisis will not affect World Cup (Reuters)

MOSCOW (Reuters) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday he had received assurances from the Russian government that the economic crisis convulsing Russia will not affect preparations for the 2018 soccer World Cup. Infantino, visiting Moscow, said he thought the tournament would help boost the Russian economy. He also used the opportunity to once again dismiss any suggestion of wrongdoing arising from his name being mentioned in the Panama Papers leaks and media reports about a contract he signed several years ago. …