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Fans Law on way for 2018 World Cup in Russia

Under the proposed law there will be visa-free entry to the country for fans arriving with match tickets and free travel between host cities. New regulations are also being introduced to deal with troublemakers at sporting events in the leadup to the finals.

Two days ago the lower house of the Russian parliament passed a first reading of the so-called 'Fans Law' which will now go to the upper house before being signed off by president Vladimir Putin later this year.

"Hooliganism is a big concern in Russia and I'm really pleased the Fans Law is being passed to deal with such extreme behaviour," Alexander Djordjadze told delegates at the Soccerex Business Forum on Thursday.

"It envisages serious punishments but is just the first step in the process. We are not law enforcers... but we are very pleased such steps are being taken to eradicate this evil," added the deputy chief executive of the organising committee.

"We want visitors to be treated as kings at our World Cup," said Djordjadze. "We believe the World Cup, by generating new and safer and beautiful venues, will change our fan culture completely to a family culture and away from elements of a hooligan culture.

"We are talking about extreme elements and you can find them anywhere. We admire the British experience because what you have achieved in England in the past 30 years is a true revolution, seeing stadiums as a place for families rather than as a battleground between two clubs.

"We believe all this can be done within four or five years."

Russian football has been blighted by hooliganism and racism for years but Djordjadze said the West's perceptions of the country will change.

With the Brazil finals next year also being a long way from football's powerbase in Europe, Djordjadze believes Russia's close proximity to Asia will guarantee many more visitors in 2018, the first European World Cup since Germany in 2006.

"The visa agreement is totally unprecedented for Russia," Djordjadze explained. "It didn't come from nowhere.

"It was tested during the Champions League final of 2008 in Moscow and went very smoothly as we dealt with 30,000 fans arriving from England in one day for the match between Manchester United and Chelsea.

"Of course it will be