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News > Sport

FIFA Chief: Do Not Make Trouble at World Cup, Russia Is Ready

  • "We are not going to war, we are going to the football party this summer," FIFA president Gianni Infantino. | Photo: Reuters

Published 17 March 2018
Opinion

"The Russians are very committed to this World Cup in order for it to be a total success," the FIFA president said.

The violence and crime which were rampant in Brazil’s hosting of the World Cup 2014 will not be a problem in Russia, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said during a press conference.

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The soccer president praised Russian authorities for their commitment to security, as the nation increases its police force in anticipation of the international event.

"The Russians are very committed to this World Cup in order for it to be a total success," Infantino told media personnel in Panama.

There has been some speculation of possible clashes between vigilant, dedicated soccer enthusiasts, particularly Russian and English fans.

"We are not going to war, we are going to the football party this summer, you are going to see that we are going to have a football party and if someone wants to make trouble they will have problems," the FIFA president said.

Brazil’s turn with the international event has left Rio in shambles, struggling to manage the worsened conditions of poverty, crime and a broken economic infrastructure in the city – all direct results of the 2014 World Cup.

Ahead of the much-anticipated event, police distributed a brochure which advised tourists to "not react, scream or argue" if attacked or approached by thieves. Visitors were warned against showcasing their valuables and to check constantly to ensure they were not being followed.

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In 2014, the Sao Paulo director of World Cup Security, Mario Leite said, “Tourists come mainly from Europe and the United States, where they do not see this crime very often… There is no use crying over spilt milk.”

However, Russia seems to have security measures under control, as Infantino could not suppress his enthusiasm saying, "I have experienced problems in organizing big events and I have to say that the level of preparation, especially in what is safe, what I am seeing in Russia I did not see anywhere," said Infantino, also noting that the lack of a visa also presents an unprecedented opportunity for travelers attending the summer event.

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