*Amir to hold talks with Putin to strengthen ties
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the World Cup final between France and Croatia in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium today, official sources said.
They will be joined by several world leaders, including France's Emmanuel Macron, Croatian Prime Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.Qatar will host sport's largest event in 2022.
His Highness the Amir will officially receive the World Cup host's mantle in the presence of Putin and President of FIFA Gianni Infantino.
The Amir and the Russian President will hold a meeting at the Kremlin to discuss means of strengthening the close relations between the two friendly countries, as well as key regional and international issues of mutual concern.
The Amir will also attend the final match of Russia 2018 World Cup .
Non-political guests will include 100-metre world record holder Usain Bolt and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.
Though there were teething troubles, the World Cup is roundly being viewed as a huge success for Russia.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, whose organisation has been dogged by allegations of corruption and impropriety, said Friday that Russia 2018 had been the "best World Cup ever", adding that the whole world "fell in love with Russia" for hosting the tournament.
