Media accreditations now open for the Preliminary Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup™

Zurich, Mar 10, 2015: FIFA is pleased to announce that the accreditation process for media representatives wishing to cover the Preliminary Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ has been launched via the FIFA Media Channel. The deadline for accreditation applications is 15 May 2015.

The draw ceremony will be conducted on 25 July 2015 as part of an event held at the Konstantinovsky Palace, Saint Petersburg.
Media accreditation for written press and photographers will be managed through the FIFA Media Channel.

In order to facilitate the coverage of media events during the days preceding the draw, applications via the FIFA Media Channel will also be accepted from non-rights holders (NRHs, media entities that have not acquired the rights for the broadcast coverage of the event).

Please note that on the draw day, NRHs will have access to the Media Centre but will not be able to bring any recording/audiovisual equipment into the venue and will not have access to any activities taking place on site (including the actual draw ceremony and the mixed zone).

There is a separate accreditation process for FIFA Media Rights Licensees (MRLs) that is serviced by the FIFA Broadcaster Servicing team, who will be in contact with MRLs via the usual communication channels.

Please note that approval to access the FIFA Media Channel does not mean you have been granted accreditation. Media accreditation for any FIFA event requires the completion of an accreditation form that can be accessed from the FIFA Media Channel.

All applications are subject to confirmation, which will not be on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further information in due course. Furthermore, please be advised that international applicants are responsible for obtaining their own visas.

More information about media activities surrounding the draw, including information on media accommodation and transportation, will be published soon on the FIFA Media Channel. —- FIFA