FIFA picks Lineker to host World Cup draw in Moscow

By AP
Published

ZURICH (AP) Former England forward Gary Lineker and Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya will present the World Cup draw in Moscow on Dec. 1.

Lineker, a respected broadcaster for British networks, was chosen by FIFA on Friday for the State Kremlin Palace event despite often criticizing FIFA to his 6.7 million followers on Twitter.

Lineker's ''honest and open views together with his in-depth knowledge of the game greatly enrich the world of football journalism,'' FIFA deputy secretary general Zvonimir Boban said.

Lineker won the Golden Boot as top scorer at the 1986 World Cup, and helped England reach the semifinals in 1990.

Komandnaya has worked for Fox Sports for more than a decade as one of Russia's best known sports journalists.

Russia hosts the 32-team World Cup from June 14-July 15.