Carles Puyol Visits MGIMO’s 2018 World Cup Volunteer Center

Carles Puyol Visits MGIMO’s 2018 World Cup Volunteer Center

1 March 2017

In the framework of the FIFA 2018 volunteer program, the former Spanish defender Carles Puyol came to MGIMO. The guest participated in the selection process of candidates and even played football with them.

MGIMO’s Vice-Rector for Social Development Igor Loginov greeted Carles Puyol and the Head of the Volunteer Program at MGIMO Narine Lalayan described to the guest the work of the center and the process by which candidates are selected.

The volunteers had the opportunity to put to the guest their questions and a lively discussion of their role in large scale events ensued. Carles Puyol remarked that one should not underestimate the importance of volunteers who do all the work beyond the football field, while the footballers are concentrating on playing. «The enthusiasm and joy of volunteers is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen at World Championships», remarked the footballer.

During his visit Carles Puyol also interviewed a candidate, participated in a match between MGIMO’s football team and a team of volunteers and signed an official 2018 World Cup ball, which will be kept in MGIMO’s museum.

— See the MGIMO web-site for more photos