体坛英语新闻：Russia re-checks 2018 World Cup stadiums

MOSCOW, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Authorities of three Russian cities has launched on Wednesday recheck of their existing and prospective stadiums for 2018 FIFA World Cup after the football association hinted it may cut the number of arenas.

The double check of the construction projects will be held in Volgograd in southern Russia, western exclave of Kaliningrad and Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains.

The three cities are in danger to be blacklisted by FIFA because of excessive spending on the tournament preparations, as well as lack of proper medical facilities and transportation infrastructures, according to Russian sports media R-Sport.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter Monday questioned Russia's preparations for the 2018 World Cup, saying FIFA will discuss the possibility of reducing the number of stadiums to be used in four- year time.

Blatter also said he intended to visit Russia in September to monitor the preparation work.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Blatter during his visit to Brazil last week. Putin said Russia will introduce a specialized visa-free entry policy during the World Cup.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said the country had allocated 20 billion U.S. dollars - some 9 billion more than Brazil - for the tournament in 2018. Most of the money will be spent on the 12 stadiums and relevant infrastructure in 11 host cities.