November 11 – Russia’s government has announced a further RUB 4 billion (£55 million) increase in budget for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The new funds are earmarked for infrastructure and utilities projects.
The money will be allocated from the federal budget. Before the funds are officially allocated amendments to the 2015-2017 budget have been prepared for the second reading at the Duma (Russian parliament).
Spending on stadia and infrastructure for the 2018 World Cup will now be RUB 1.968bn (£272 million) in 2015 and RUB 2.125 billion (£293 million) in 2016. The funds will be allocated to the Russian Ministry of Construction which will control spending.
According to the Rosbusinessconsulting agency, the new budget is suggesting further amendments to increase central administrative funding as well as money for the executive authorities in local governments by RUB 712.6 million (£9.8 million).
The costs for the World Cup in Russia have been continually revised upwards over the past 18 months and are expected to now hit £13 billion.
Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]