Published: 19 January, 2009, 22:07
Edited: 19 January, 2009, 22:07
Russia aims to host the FIFA World Cup 2018 says the country's sports minister and the head of Russia's Football Union, Vitaly Mutko.
Applications for the bid opened on January 15 and will close on March 16.
Russia says it will bid for the rights to host the biggest event in international football.
Spain and Portugal have already filed a joint bid.
Bidding nations have to have 12 stadiums with a capacity of more than 40.000 spectators, and one 80,000 capacity arena to hold the opening match and the final.
UEFA president, Michelle Platini, says the final of the 2008/09 Champions League held in Moscow proves Russia is capable of hosting the World Cup.