Russia's immigrant workers kick their troubles into touch

ST PETERSBURG, Russia - Far from his native Uzbekistan, labor migrant Rustam Mustafakulov has found a second home in the World Cup host city of Saint Petersburg, playing soccer with other immigrants from Mali to Turkmenistan.

The 34-year-old window cleaner plays for FC Maxima, an amateur soccer team set up specially to help immigrants settle in the northern Russian city. He says the regular sport and close camaraderie keep him going.

"We have been playing together for so many years, we've all become friends," said Mustafakulov who played professional soccer in his native Uzbekistan.