Former Chelsea star Alexei Smertin lands Russia World Cup bid role

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Smertin, who played for Chelsea, Bordeaux and Lokomotiv Moscow amongst others in a distinguished playing career, will be responsible for 'sporting matters pertaining to the bid, such as advice on the match calendar, overall team accommodations and other related aspects'.

Bid chief executive chief executive Alexey Sorokin said: "As a bid ambassador and member of our delegation who attended both Soccerex and the final draw last year in South Africa, Alexei Smertin has shown himself to be a strong representative and advocate for Russian football.

"Now, in his assumption of the position of sports director, he will strengthen our bid with his unrivalled experience as former elite player turned administrator. We believe that this new position will expand the opportunities for him to apply his unique expertise to the bid."

Smertin, who won 55 caps for Russia, added: "Playing for Russia in the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan was one of the highlights of my career.

"The significance of this competition and what it means to football fans all over the world is simply overwhelming.

"I am very proud to have been asked to represent my country now on an altogether different playing field and very much look forward to the coming months with the bid committee.

"I will certainly strive for excellence in my efforts to bring the ultimate football event to my home country, Russia."