Security Measures for the World Cup

Just over three months before the start of the World Cup, Russia has implemented a series of security measures to prevent any inconvenience in the different venues where the matches will be played.

All of this may seem normal, however, with less than 100 days until the start of the World Cup, there is an atmosphere of tension due to the various threats that have surrounded the tournament, which have even been present since before the Confederations Cup.

TERRORIST THREATS

These threats are represented by terrorist cells, who have issued warnings of possible attacks during the World Cup, using posters featuring Neymar, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Didier Deschamps.

This climate of tension is not new, alluding to what happened before the European Championship in France, where there was also anticipation of a possible terrorist attack, taking into account the bombing that occurred in November 2015 during a friendly match between Wales and Germany in Saint-Denis.

ULTRAS

Another threat surrounding the tournament is that of the so-called 'Ultras', who have recently been involved in altercations in European competitions such as the Champions League and the Europa League, in the match between Spartak and Athletic Bilbao.

In order to prevent any confrontations inside the stadiums or in the streets surrounding them, the Russian police will constantly monitor the fans of each team, both inside and outside the stadiums, in order to prevent riots like the ones that occurred, for example, in the match between England and Russia during the 2016 Euro Cup.

In addition, the sale of alcoholic beverages at the matches and celebration areas will be limited and, in some cases, restricted, and these areas will be monitored by the military. Furthermore, individuals with criminal records, pending charges, involvement in criminal matters, or suspected of participating in any terrorist movements will not be allowed to enter the country.

MEASURES TO FOLLOW

One of the measures to be followed in this World Cup, which was already implemented during the Confederations Cup, is the use of the 'Fan Card' or 'Fan ID', which is provided by the Russian embassies in different countries and grants access to the event, providing control over the data of fans, press, and tourists.

On the other hand, security will also be reinforced in airspace, specifically in the Caucasus and Ural regions, and at the borders with the Middle Eastern countries; as well as in maritime areas, roads, entrances and exits of each of the host cities, as well as railway and public transportation.

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