Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he would not present Russia's bid to the host the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Zurich.
"I would have liked to have gone and presented the bid myself, but under such circumstances I have decided against this journey out of respect for the FIFA executive committee members," he said.
Putin, who earlier secured victory for Russia's Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics bid, said he wanted to give FIFA executive committee members an opportunity "to make an impartial decision in a calm atmosphere and without any outside pressure."
"By the way, I call on my foreign counterparts to do the same," the Russian premier added.
Russia's bid will now be presented by Putin's deputy, Igor Shuvalov.
Putin also said the recent British media probe into the integrity of FIFA officials was "inadmissible."
"I see it as unfair competition ahead of the vote to choose the World Cup host country," he added.
Russia is among favorites to be named host country in Zurich on Thursday. The decision is due at 15:00 GMT.
MOSCOW, December 1 (RIA Novosti)
