Denis Matsuev becomes 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Ambassador
Denis Matsuev has become an ambassador for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. The Russian classical pianist received his ambassador’s certificate today from Alexey Sorokin, CEO of the Russia 2018 Local Organising Committee, and FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura.
“It is a great honour to become a World Cup ambassador. This gives me even more energy to promote the values of the tournament and do everything I can on the cultural side of things,” said Matsuev. According to the new ambassador, the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup will help Russia capitalise on its vast sporting and cultural potential. Matsuev shared his first idea for ensuring this happens immediately after the appointment: “All host cities have their own symphonic orchestras and I think they should be involved in activities around the matches,” said the pianist.
Matsuev is one of the most passionate football fans in Russia’s cultural circles. He has followed Spartak Moscow since childhood and tries to attend every game, including Russian national team matches, which makes him very excited about the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. “I was one of the happiest people alive when our country was chosen to host the planet’s major footballing event. Obviously, I can’t wait for the tournaments and I think it’s essential that we prepare a cultural programme, just like at the Sochi Olympics. Each host city has its own character, customs and traditions, which we can and should show to the world,” said Matsuev.
Matsuev was actively involved in preparations for the tournament even before being appointed 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia ambassador. He was a member of the team which chose the official tournament logo, and he participated in events to mark 500 days to go until the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017.
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