ZURICH (AP) — Spain-Portugal is defending its often criticized campaign to host the 2018 World Cup, after Russia complained of bids that “didn’t make so much effort.”
Bid spokesman Onofre Costa tells The Associated Press that Iberian officials have kept a deliberately low profile, preferring to meet FIFA voters and work away from the media spotlight.
The bid team is seeking little publicity in Zurich, even after Russia’s statement Tuesday.
The main delegation, which includes Spain and Portugal’s prime ministers and various playing greats, is scheduled to arrive later Wednesday, less than 24 hours before the vote.
Costa also says Spain-Portugal did not collude with other bids, and has done nothing to be ashamed of during the process.
