Russian president Vladimir Putin met FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the Kremlin on Monday to discuss preparations for this summer's tournament. Russian president Vladimir Putin met FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the Kremlin on Monday to discuss preparations for this summer's tournament.

Russian president Vladimir Putin met FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the Kremlin on Monday to discuss preparations for the 2018 World Cup.

Putin had been scheduled to host Infantino at his residence in Sochi but he stayed in the capital following Sunday's plane crash near Moscow which killed all 71 people on board.

Russian news agencies say Infantino offered his condolences to Putin over the weekend's tragedy.

Ahead of the meeting, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "Russia continues preparations for the World Cup, much of the work has already been done.

"These are the issues that will be discussed with Mr. Infantino."

Peskov added that the Russian leader had "very good and constructive personal relationship" with the FIFA president.

On a trip to Vietnam in early February, Infantino praised preparations for the World Cup which is set to take place in Russia from June 14 until July 15.

He said that "we'll experience the best World Cup ever this summer in Russia".