Russian State Duma toughens laws on supporter disorder at sporting events
The Russian State Duma has introduced legislation that will see tougher punishments handed out to spectators for disorder at sporting events.
The bill concerns “the gross violation of rules by supporters during official sporting tournaments” and will see fines doubled, as well as periods of detention for offenders, as TASS reported on Friday.
Prospective fans will also be prohibited from traveling to Russia if evidence is found that they have committed offences at other sporting events.
Amendments were introduced to the Administrative Offences Code of the Russian Federation, which sees fines double for rule violations in stands during official sporting tournaments from 20-25,000 rubles ($350-$440) to 40-50,000 rubles ($700-$880).
Offenders can also be arrested and detained for a period of 10-15 days.
The “gross violation of laws of spectator behavior over the course of official sporting competitions,” an imposed ban on attending games for up to seven years.
Gross violation is deemed to be “creating threats to safety, life, the health of those, situated in the area where official sporting tournaments are taking place, or in areas intended to host them,” or “triggering the end of a match.”
FIFA, world football’s governing body, backed the legislation program implemented by the State Duma at the end of March.
The Confederations Cup will be held this summer in Russia from June 17 to July 2, with St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kazan and Sochi making up the host cities.
Next summer, Russia will also host the 2018 FIFA World Cup, held in 12 stadiums in 11 host cities. It will be the first time Russia has held either tournament.
