The German newspaper Bild reported earlier that Russia players allegedly sniffed ammonia during the break in their quarter-final match against Croatia in order to gain physical advantage over their rivals. Ammonia is not a banned substance, and the smelling salt that athletes often use is a solution of ammonium hydroxide.

"The whole world has seen a wonderful festival, an amazing football festival. Millions of fans [watched the games from the stands], and billions watched it all [the Worlc Cup games] on TV. [I would describe] all the negative comments that are currently being made... with just two words - hypocrisy and envy," Gazzaev said.

Russia knocked out the 2010 World Cup winners Spain from the tournament, but then lost 4-3 on penalties in the quarter-finals against Croatia and were eliminated themselves.

Reaching the quarter-finals was Russia's best result in the World Cups history since long before the break-up of the Soviet Union.