"169 days before the World Cup, just on the eve of the New Year, Vitaly Mutko carried out something that the sports functionist for so long avoided. He resigned as chairman of the organizing committee of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, "the German edition of Der Spiegel.

"President Vladimir Putin decided: Mutko must leave so that the World Cup will no longer be tied to the ill-fated topic of doping. In the end, the upcoming tournament is a prestigious project of the president, who wants to be reelected for a new term in March 2018. And he must demonstrate the importance of Russia as a world power. Mutko was a hindrance here, "- says the author of the article Christina Chebel.

"True, the issue of doping and the role of Mutko is rarely discussed. On state television, only briefly reported the departure of Mutko from the post of chairman of the organizing committee, the theme of doping is not affected, "the journalist said..

"It's surprising how long Mutko stayed in his posts. After all, it could not have been left since the publication of McLaren's reports in July 2016, "says Christina Chebel.

"True, Mutko refused to participate in elections to the FIFA Executive Committee. However, its influence is still preserved. This is shown by the fact that Miguel Maduro was ousted from his post as head of the FIFA management committee, which blocked the nomination of Mutko to the decisive degree, "the author believes..

"One mistakes who thinks that Putin will end his relationship with the always loyal Mutko after his resignation. The president, like Mutko, rejected all accusations of doping. ) Mutko still belongs to the top of the power, he is still vice-premier.

Although he is not included in the circle of Putin's closest proxies, he is part of the "St. Petersburg clan", a group of influential people from his hometown of Putin. Putin and Mutko in the 90 years worked as deputy mayor of St. Petersburg, - writes Christina Chebel. "Moreover, Mutko continues to exercise control over preparations for the World Cup, in charge of the work in the regions and the infrastructure of the".

"Thus, Mutko attracts less attention than before. However, his influence remains the same, "- sums up the journalist.