Russian World Cup stadium budget increases

Concern from a contractor over its profit margin on the cost of building a Russian football stadium in Nizhny Novgorod for the 2018 World Cup has led to its budget increasing.

Construction firm Stroytransgaz had reportedly considered quitting the project over its price tag of RUB15 billion (€305 million) – which has increased to RUB17 billion (€346 million) following lobbying from the company.

Funded by the Russian federal budget, the capacity of the stadium will be 45,000 seats. As well as one of the host venues for the World Cup, it will form a new base for the Russian premier league FC Volga Nizhny Novgorod team.

Its development follows the opening of Spartak Moscow’s new 45,000-seat arena last month, which cost RUB14 billion (€293 million) which was delivered on schedule for the 2014/15 football season.

The World Cup will be hosted by a total of 11 Russian cities, with many of the competition’s venues still at the design stage.