Young persons' sporting and cultural programme opens in Moscow.
ADVERTISEMENTOfficial FIFA partner and major sponsor of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Gazprom, has made the draw for its Football for Friendship programme.
It brings 211 countires together to get their young people playing the game and upholding principles likefriendship, equality, peace and respect for different cultures and nationalities.
Viktor Zubkov is Chairman of the energy giant.
"We believe it is very important that this project exists at this time when people all over the world seek to unite through the principles of equality and mutual respect. Football for Friendship gives such opportunity to everyone," he said.
The F4F season climaxes in Moscow with finals matches taking place just ahead of the World Cup itself. Similar events were held during last years' world cup rehearsal, the Confederations Cup, in St. Petersburg.