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Russia 2018: Security beefed up amidst concerns

Russia has beef up security ahead of the Confederation cup and the Champions League in readiness to the forthcoming World Cup.

More than 2,000 fans are in Moscow as two English Clubs, Liverpool and Manchester United, play Spartak Moscow and CSKA Moscow respectively.

Authorities are taking advantage of the fixtures to test security readiness ahead of the World Cup which organisers say will be one of the “most protected” ever despite challenges with hooliganism and terror threats.

There has been an increase in the rate of hooliganism in Russia’s football of late. Fans belonging to the Ultras gang were involved in a clash with England fans during the 2016 Euro Championship in Marseilles, France.

It was also believed that many fans came prepared and armed in a determination to cause commotion in Marseilles.

President Putin of Russia has however approved tough legislation to curb hooliganism in Russia’s football with offenders getting as much as six months imprison whether Russian or Foreigner.

Deputy Head of Interior Ministry Department overseeing security at sports venue, Anton Gusev said that,

“Citizens who have committed gross legal violations during sporting events, demonstrated racism, set off fireworks, broken furniture, tried to start fights, are under our unwinking constant stare.”

A total of 191 fans including 54 spectators have been blacklisted for involving in pitch invasion at the Russia Cup final match in Sochi.

Russia’s role in the Syrian war has also been a source of worry as it poses threat. Recall that a bombing in St. Petersburg in April killed 16 persons and injured a number of persons.

Meanwhile the English FA has advised citizens travelling to Russia during the games to avoid using unknown Wi-Fi connections as it could be hacked to access individual data and information.

Russia has often been suspected as a hotspot of hacking and State sponsored hackings. The FA revealed concerns as it could be used to expose injury of players, squad list and other tactics of teams. The FA made its concerns known to FIFA in a letter.

In a reply to the letter, FIFA spokesman said

“FIFA has informed the FA that it remains committed to prevent security attacks in general and that, with respect to the Fancy Bears attack in particular, it is presently investigating the incident to ascertain whether FIFA’s infrastructure was compromised.”

Fans travelling to Russia are expected to undergo a series of security checks before gaining entrance into the Stadium. The Police are to monitor activity through a central control room with the help of individual cameras placed in the seats.

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