Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he will not be attending the 2018 vote decision on Thursday whilst launching an attack on England’s 2018 bid.

Putin claimed that FIFA had been the victim of a smear campaign following the controversial Panorama programme aired on Monday.

He said: “We have unfortunately witnessed a campaign against members of the Fifa executive – filth and compromising material has been poured over them,” he told ministers in Moscow. I see this as unscrupulous competition ahead of the vote. I would love to represent our entry in person. However, under these circumstances, I think it would be best not to go out of respect for the members of the Fifa executive committee, so that they can make their decision in peace and without any outside pressure.”

Attending instead of Putin is deputy prime minister Igor Shuvalov who will present Russia’s final 30 minute presentation on Thursday morning. Also attending the decision day is Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arshavin.

However, Putin’s absence is likely to be a big miss as his presence at the 2014 Winter Olympics vote was noted as a key part of Russia winning the rights.