Vitaly Mutko

Vitaly Leontiyevich Mutko (Russian: Виталий Леонтьевич Мутко; born December 8, 1958 in Krasnodar Krai) is a Russian politician. Since May 2008, he has been Minister of Sport, Tourism and Youth policy.^[1]

Mutko was previously president of the Russian side FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, and then of the Russian Football Union.

World Cup bid

Mutko (second from left) celebrates winning the World Cup bid with Andrei Arshavin (center) and others

Mutko was the chairman for Russia's successful bid to host the World Cup in 2018. He has, however, been criticised for his comments about the rival English bid, such as by suggesting that English football is corrupt. By way of explanation, he said: "What I meant was that sometimes the English media say there is corruption in Russia, but I meant that if you dig deeply you find corruption in any country".^[2]

Corruption allegations

Mutko accompanied the Russian team to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010. Afterwards, a report by the Russian parliament's Audit Chamber^[3] criticised him for claiming for a total of 97 breakfasts during the team's twenty-day stay in Canada,^[4][5] costing a total of $4,500.^[6] Each night in his hotel was charged at $1,499.^[4] In total, Mutko is said to have spent twelve times his official limit.^[3] Mutko told Vedomosti newspaper: "Why do those who want to accuse me of something not interest themselves in how much the French sports minister paid for accommodation?"^[3]

References

1. ^ Russian Government
2. ^ Russian 2018 bid leader claims there is corruption in England, insideworldfootball.biz
3. ^ ^{a b c} Vancouver Olympics spending scandal: How much does a Russian breakfast cost?, csmonitor.com
4. ^ ^{a b} Russia rests 2018 World Cup bid on belief that big and bold is best, Guardian
5. ^ Russia's Olympic spend-a-thon: By the numbers, theweek.com
6. ^ Auditor: Sports Minister Spent $4,500 on Vancouver Breakfasts, Moscow Times

External links

• Biography

Persondata
Name	Mutko, Vitaly Leontiyevich
Alternative names
Short description	President of the Russian Football Union
Date of birth	December 8, 1958
Place of birth	Krasnodar Krai, Russia
Date of death
Place of death