"The test events we held were encouraging. Around 40,000 [spectators] gathered in Volgograd, Samara and Kaliningrad. It turned out they know how to show their support [for the clubs]," Mutko said at the Russian Football Union conference.

He added that plans for the future developments of the stadiums will be worked out so they will remain in use after the tournament is over.

"We need to use them for football purposes, so they do not become white elephants," Mutko said.

Russia will host its first World Cup from June 14 to July 15. The fixtures will be played at 12 stadiums across 11 cities.