Despite the corruption allegations that have been plaguing football governing body FIFA, the ceremony went ahead for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Preliminary Draw. The event took place on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at the Konstantin Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. Embattled FIFA President Sepp Blatter was in attendance along with a host of football legends and superstars.

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The roadmap towards the finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was laid out on Saturday and Blatter declared that FIFA has placed its full trust and confidence in the Russian Federation. He spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and to millions of people watching worldwide. He expressed his optimism about the upcoming event.

According to a report by Sunday Express, Blatter and Putin exchanged pleasantries onstage. After which, Blatter declared that he is confident that Russia would be "fantastic hosts." He confirmed that the 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia as planned. The confirmation came after doubts surfaced as a result of an ongoing inquiry into corruption allegations. The allegations involve the selection of World Cup host countries among other things.

Putin then took the opportunity to also speak out. He reaffirmed Russia's ability to host the event despite budget cuts that have been implemented into the preparations for the event. The cuts were a result of an ongoing economic slump in the country.

As if to prove a point, the Preliminary Draw Ceremony was as grandiose as could be expected. Several football legends made their way to St. Petersburg to take part in the ceremony. 2006 FIFA World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro led the list of superstars who assisted in the draw. Cannavaro led the Italian team to victory against France when the event was held in Germany.

The Italian legend took to Instagram to share his delight at being at the event. In the photo, he posed with fellow legend Ronaldo of Brazil. Ronaldo was also part of a World Cup winning team when Brazil raised the trophy in Korea/Japan back in 2002.

Other draw assistants were Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon and Diego Forlan of Uruguay. German forward Oliver Bierhoff, who was in the German team who played the 2002 final against Ronaldo's Brazil, was also on hand. Apart from all the international stars, several high profile Russian players also took part.

141 teams learned their fate on Saturday. Teams from Africa, North, Central America and the Caribbean, Oceania, South America and Europe can now see their path towards the final event in Russia in 2018. Asian teams have already begun the joint World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers. The full results of the draw are now available on the FIFA website. 

Tags2018 FIFA World Cup, Draw, Preliminary Draw, Qualifiers, sepp blatter, Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldo, Foootball