Categories: Sports

Safe World Cup Vital To Russia’s Image Says Russian President

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said a safe World Cup this summer would be very important for the country’s image, as the violence from Russian fans at Euro 2016 affects preparation.

In a speech to police, Putin said that Russia, which is to host the championship for the first time, “must hold it at the highest level and most importantly, ensure maximum security for players and fans.”

“Of course you play a crucial role in achieving this aim,” Putin told police.

“I don’t doubt that at the World Cup you will also act appropriately in any given situation, in strict accordance with the law.”

He stressed that “the way this event goes and our country’s image will directly depend on your smooth, skilful work.”

The world football governing body FIFA on Friday expressed “complete trust” in Russia’s ability to ensure a safe World Cup, despite violence involving fans of Spartak Moscow in Spain during which a policeman died.

Russia will host the tournament in 11 cities from June 14 to July 15.

The lead-up has been coloured by fears of a repeat of the June 2016 rampage by Russian hooligans that erupted in the French port city of Marseille during the Euro tournament.

However, Russia has cracked down on football gangs and worked to identify hooligans seeking to attend the matches, even enlisting help from British police.

Putin has courted football fans in the past, even visiting the graveside of a Spartak Moscow fan shot dead in a mass fight with men from the Russian Caucasus in December 2010.

Recent Posts

Edo: Panel Probing Shaibu’s Impeachment Begins Sitting April 3

The seven-member panel put in place by the Chief Judge (CJ) of Edo State, Justice…

58 mins ago

Court Absolves Ex-Minister Adoke Of Criminal Charges

A Federal Capital Territory high Court sitting in Jabi, has dismissed charges of fraud, bribery…

1 hour ago

Hajj: FG, State Govts Provide Succuor To Intending Pilgrims, Subsidises Hajj Fares

As the deadline for payment of 2024 Hajj fares elapsesd 12:am today (Friday), the federal…

1 hour ago

Katsina: APC Dissolves Stakeholder Committees In 34 LGAs

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State has dissolved the party’s stakeholder committees in all 34…

1 hour ago

Promotion Exam: Oyo Govt To Punish Teachers Over Illegal Fees

The Oyo State Government through the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board has warned teachers…

1 hour ago

Delta Bloodbath: Wanted Monarch Surrenders Self To Police

The traditional ruler of Ewu-Urhobo kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State,…

1 hour ago

This website uses cookies.