Russia were said to be joint favourites to host the 2018 event and this decision indicates that they believe they have every chance of hosting the tournament.

England, as well as joint bids from Spain/Portugal and Belgium/Holland, are also aiming to host the World Cup in eight years time.

The Russian withdrawal reduces the amount of bids to four for the 2022 event, with Australia, the United States, Qatar and a joint bid from Japan/South Korea set to do battle.

FIFA rules indicate that the World Cup cannot be held on the same continent twice in a row, which meant that with only countries from Europe bidding for the 2018 event, their 2022 bid was rendered useless.

Earlier this week, the leader of Russia's bid, Alexei Sorokin, pointed the finger at England and cited high crime rates, excessive drinking by young people and racism as reasons as to why England should not host the event.

Sorokin later claimed that the comments were 'lost in translation'.

The awarding of the 2018 World Cup has been shrouded in controversy, after two officials were alleged to have offered to sell their votes.

The hosts of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups will be announced in Zurich on December 2.