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FIFA has registered 150,672 volunteers to participate in preparation for the 2017 Confederations Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia said.

“That remarkable figure proves the importance of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2017 Confederations Cup for everyone. It involves not only Russians, but also foreigners,” Vitaly Mutko said.

People from 189 different countries accounted for 30 percent of applicants. Over 80 percent of candidates are young people aged 16-25 years. After a series of tests and interviews, only 15,000 volunteers will qualify to work at the 2018 FIFA World Cup events.

Vladimir Putin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino launched the volunteer campaign on  June 1. The final stage of the selection process will take place on May 10, 2018.