Putin vows Russia will work with Infantino over 2018 worries

Moscow - Russian president Vladimir Putin congratulated Gianni Infantino on his election as FIFA president on Friday and vowed to co-operate over concerns swirling around the country's hosting of the 2018 World Cup.

Related: Gianni Infantino elected as FIFA president

The bidding process for the 2018 tournament, as well as that of Qatar's 2022 World Cup, has come under scrutiny as part of twin Swiss and US corruption investigations into FIFA.

Former FIFA head Sepp Blatter alleged that a backroom deal was struck to award Russia the 2018 World Cup before voting for the host country had even taken place, a charge Moscow has repeatedly denied.

But Putin said there was a desire "on the part of Russia to co-operate in a constructive manner with FIFA, notably in concerns over the preparations for the 2018 World Cup", the Russian strongman said in a statement released by the Kremlin.

Putin hailed 45-year-old Infantino for his experience gained during his tenure as UEFA secretary-general and "creative potential".

"Your successful activities in international sports organisations and your significant personal contribution to the development of football have earned you this high authority," he added.

"I am convinced that the professional experience and a great creative potential and organisation will help with the work in this position and will serve in strengthening the position of FIFA."