Russia is to try fan ID at the 2017 Confederations cup ahead of hosting the World Cup the following year.
The curtain-raiser to the World Cup, the Confederations cup, takes place in Russia this summer, and it is also a dress rehearsal for organisers for the bigger event.
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One aspect back on the agenda since ugly events at the Euro 2016 is hooliganism and violence, and the Russians have decided to introduce fan ID documents that must be presented with valid tickets to enter the stadiums.
“Every fan will be required to have a fan ID to enter the stadiums, both for the Confederations Cup and for FIFA World Cup, and so we have got trust in the authorities that everything will be done. What we can be sure of is that this will be a festival of football and there is no place in such festivals of football for those that are not here to support the sport and support the game,” said FIFA’s Director of Competitions Colin Smith.
Russian hooligan leaders have instead promised a “festival of violence” with England fans being especially warned they will be targets, but there have been no indications the Confederations cup will also be a magnet for violent fans. The authorities have warned any trouble will not be tolerated.