Russia Taps Helios to Kick Off World Cup Effort
FIFA to choose 2018 and 2022 host countries in 2010
Helios Partners, a global sports consultancy, has been appointed by the Russian Football Union to lead Russia’s effort to secure FIFA World Cup host nation status.
Proceeding with the full backing of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Minister of Sport Vitaly Mutko, Russia’s World Cup bid presents the opportunity to bring the pinnacle event of the world’s most popular sport to the world’s largest country and its vast array of regional and ethnic populations. “We are very pleased to have Helios working on behalf of Russia once again,” said Russian Football Union General Secretary Alexei Sorokin, referring to Helios’ previous success in leading Russia’s bid for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. “Helios is the perfect coach for our team; their skills and experience are an ideal fit and they will undoubtedly give us the best chance to secure the privilege of hosting the FIFA World Cup.”
Over the next 16 months leading up to the host nation selections in December 2010, Helios will be responsible for the development of Russia’s Bid Book—the comprehensive document outlining the technical plan to host the tournament—and fulfill tasks related to brand development, technical management, event support and marketing programs in support of the bid. “This is an opportunity for us to again help bring Russia to the forefront of international sport,” said Terrence Burns, President of Helios Partners. “Russia is a new nation looking forward, but it retains an historical position as a meeting place of east and west thanks to its geographic and cultural diversity. Russia would be an historic choice for FIFA’s World Cup, expanding the reach of this great event while enhancing the nation’s social, economic and sports infrastructure.”
Nationwide growth of the game at all levels is expected to continue. The bid is expressive of Russia’s love affair with football and builds off the Russian national team’s strong 3rd place showing in the Euro 2008 tournament. One of eleven countries vying for a chance to host the tournament, Russia’s first major milestone will be delivery of the bid book on 14 May 2010.
In addition to the successful Sochi 2014 bid, Helios Partners worked on the successful Kazan 2013 Universiade Bid. With offices in Atlanta, Beijing, London and Zurich, Helios delivers high quality sports consulting services to a wide range of global corporate sponsors, sports properties and cities seeking to host major international sports events.
For additional information please visit www.heliospartners.com or contact:
Lou Lauria
+1.404.446.4851
llauria@heliospartners.com