In December 2010, FIFA chose Russia to host the 2018 World Cup. In this latest Euronews special preview, we look at technology and security, which will play a key role in this World Cup. The so-called video assistant referee (VAR) will be used for the first time in such a major football tournament.
The 2018 World Cup tournament will involve 32 national teams, playing at 12 venues in 11 cities, with a total of 64 matches. Cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan will be crowded with fans from all over the world. According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, some 400,000 foreign fans are expected to visit Russia for the World Cup tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino told Euronews that all fans will be welcomed to Russia, but safety is paramount and troublemakers will not be tolerated. ''Every fan that is coming to Russia will be welcomed in a safe environment to celebrate. If anyone is thinking of going to Russia to create trouble, then they better stay home,'' he added.
In order to enter a stadium, spectators will have to have a so-called Fan ID card, a special document needed for this 2018 World Cup Tournament. Even Russian residents will need one in order to enter a stadium.
VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE
The video assistant referee marks a new chapter in the history of the World Cup. Whilst there are those who argue that this system may slow down the game, others, like renowned former Italian referee Pierluigi Collina, think that VAR will avoid controversial decisions that can influence the result of a match.
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