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Russia to invite Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini to World Cup - Vitaly Mutko

Suspended FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA chief Michel Platini will both be invited to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the nation's sports minister says.

Blatter and Platini have both been banned from all football activities for eight years following an investigation into a £1.3 million payment from 2011.

But Russian minister Vitaly Mutko says they will be welcome to attend the sport's biggest event in two years' time.

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini will be invited to attend the 2018 World Cup, says Vitaly Mutko.

"Formally, the suspension prohibits them from any position in football," Mutko told R-Sport, according to Reuters.