Mutko’s resignation ‘has no consequence' for World Cup preparation, says Russian 2018 Organizing Committee

Russian Deputy Prime Minister and former Chief Organizer for World Cup 2018 Vitaly Mutko [Photo: Courtesy]

The Russia-2018 organising committee said in a statement published by TASS agency that that "the change in leadership will have no consequences on the process of preparations for the world championship".

Mutko would "continue to oversee the preparation by the regions... and coordinate building the necessary infrastructure in his role as the deputy prime minister," the statement said.

On Wednesday he said his claim has been filed in the CAS. The Lausanne-based court told AFP Wednesday they have not received the appeal yet.

Mutko was banned for life from the Olympic Games on December 5 after the International Olympic Committee said he was involved in a state-backed doping programme.

The 59-year-old had until this week retained his posts in Russia throughout the doping scandal, even receiving a promotion from sports minister. He maintains that Russian athletes were clean at the 2014 Olympic Games.

Mutko in March was barred from sitting on the FIFA Council, the world body's ruling top table where the Russian sports official had a seat since 2009.

His participation was blocked because of potential conflicts of interest with his government role.