Smertin extends role with Russia World Cup bid 03/02/2010 |
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Alexey Smertin, the former captain of the Russian national team, has been appointed sports director of the country’s World Cup bid.
Smertin, who was already an ambassador for the campaign, will be responsible for technical and sporting matters, such as advice on the match calendar and team
accommodation.
Bid chief executive Alexey Sorokin said: “As a bid ambassador and member of our delegation who attended both Soccerex and the finals draw last year in South Africa, Alexey Smertin has shown himself to be a strong representative and advocate for Russian football.
“Now, in his assumption of the position of sports director, he will strengthen our bid with his unrivalled experience as a former elite player turned administrator. We believe that this new position will expand the opportunities for him to apply his unique expertise to the bid.”
Smertin, who won 55 caps for Russia and played for Chelsea among other clubs, has forged a post-football career as a politician and founder of social development projects.
He is currently deputy of the Altay region’s legislative assembly in Russia, and is also actively engaged in the development of children's sports in Altay and Barnaul, his native city, founding a football sports school for children as well as the Young Talents foundation.
“Playing for Russia in the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan was one of the highlights of my career,” added Smertin. “The significance of this competition and what it means to football fans all over the world is simply overwhelming.
“I am very proud to have been asked to represent my country now on an altogether different playing field and very much look forward to the coming months with the bid committee. I will certainly strive for excellence in my efforts to bring the ultimate football event to my home country, Russia.”
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