Russia has 'nothing to hide' over 2018 World Cup bid

Russia isn't concerned by the explosive scenes that saw several top FIFA officials arrested and indicted on corruption charges Wednesday in Zurich. Nor do they seem overly perturbed by the fact that Swiss federal prosecutors have opened separate criminal proceedings related to the awarding of the 2018 World Cup.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, a FIFA executive committee member who played a leading role in Russia's bid for the 2018 tournament, told The Associated Press that the country has nothing to hide in relation to the investigation.

''We're prepared to show everything,'' Mutko said. ''We've always acted within the law. We've got nothing to hide."

Mutko added that the investigation will not impede the country's preparations for the 2018 spectacle.

''How can it be obstructed? ... We have a contract with FIFA and we're getting ready to hold the draw. We operated within the regulations that existed at that time.''

Alexei Sorokin, who heads the organizing committee for the tournament, echoed those sentiments.

''We have stated that many times during the investigation by FIFA and before that investigation,'' Sorokin said by telephone from Zurich. ''Preparations to host the World Cup are continuing and they are going according to plan.''