LAKE SELIGER, Aug 29 — President Vladimir Putin said today he hoped Russia would not lose the right to hold the 2018 World Cup football tournament, following Western calls to strip Russia of the contest.

Asked whether there were any risks Russia could lose its right to hold the tournament due to the “complicated political situation”, Putin said: “I hope not. FIFA has already said football and sport are outside politics and I think that is the right approach.” — Reuters