Russia moves to bar foreign hooligans from World Cup

Moscow (AFP) – Russia on Monday adopted a law to bar foreign hooligans from the country as it tries to clamp down on fan violence ahead of the 2018 World Cup. 

The legislation — approved by President Vladimir Putin — hands authorities the right to block entry for anyone previously found guilty of hooliganism abroad.  

The new regulations also allow Russia to detain any fans who breach public order for up to 15 days and then kick them out of the country. 

Troublemakers could face the lesser punishment of a fine of up to 50,000 rubles ($710, 660 euros) and a ban on attending sporting events in the country for up to seven years.

Moscow is scrambling to calm fears of fan violence as it gears up to host the Confederations Cup in June and the World Cup next year following clashes involving Russian hooligans at Euro 2016 in France.  

Moscow has passed laws to prevent local hooligans from attending matches and says it is introducing special IDs for both Russian and foreign fans attending the upcoming footballing extravaganzas.