"If a referee is [appointed] to the World Cup, it means he is ready. The most important thing for Karasev is to avoid burnout and show what he has learned over these last years. The FIFA supervisors will follow his every step and it's very important not to let your emotions get the better of you," Levnikov said.

Levnikov added that he had not had a chance to talk to Karasev recently since he was busy preparing for the tournament.

Karasev was the only Russian referee picked to officiate at the upcoming World Cup. He will be assisted by fellow Russians Tikhon Kalugin and Anton Averyanov.

The FIFA World Cup will take place between June 14 and July 15.