The Russian football community has made a fervent appeal to the game's stakeholders, including the globetrotting fans, to "shun negativity" and get behind the country as it geared up to host its maiden FIFA World Cup starting tomorrow.
The Russian Football Union's director general, Aleksandr Alaev, urged football fans from across the world to ignore "some critical remarks" on the country hosting the tournament.
Asked about an unpleasant comment in a local daily on Russia hosting the mega event, Alaev said, "I don't wish to comment on that, there are only two days left for the start of the World Cup, this is an important event and that's why let's forget about such things.
"Let's not make any comment on that at this moment. Let's just unite and join in the efforts to deliver a great World Cup. Let's hope that our Russian national football team will do their best to make an impression."
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