World Cup without alcohol, barbecue and no protests or sightseeing
In order to prevent a recurrence of the images that appeared in previous tournaments, the Russian government has implemented a series of bans at the 2018 World Cup.
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Here are some of the rules that will affect not only Russians but also foreign fans during the World Cup, which runs from June 14 to July 15.
Ban on alcoholic beverages
On match days and the day before, the sale of alcoholic beverages and any drinks in glass bottles is prohibited in fan zones, around stadiums and in crowded places such as parks and train stations.
Register with the police
Foreigners and Russians arriving in one of the World Cup host cities will have to register with the police within three days. They will have to show identification and indicate their temporary residence.
Previously, Russians only had to register with the local police if they were staying in another city for more than 90 days. Foreigners who needed to move between several cities and stay for more than three days had to register multiple times.
While hotels will organise this registration, things are more complicated for apartment owners.
No protests
A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin restricts Russians' right to protest during the World Cup. Non-sporting events can only be held in specific locations and at times approved by the authorities. In the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, for example, protests will be limited to no more than 100 people and can only be held between 2 and 4 p.m.
Meanwhile, music festivals scheduled to take place this summer in Russia will also have to be postponed until after the World Cup.
Tighten tour
Tours, especially for Russians, have been tightened. Tourist buses will not be allowed into World Cup cities, while river cruises will not be allowed.
In addition, the Russian government also banned the use of drones within a 100km radius of cities.
In notoriously congested Moscow and many other cities, some central and stadium streets will be closed to traffic to avoid congestion. The mayor of Kaliningrad has even suggested that residents leave the city and go on vacation in the countryside.
No grilling
Russians will certainly find it difficult not to be allowed to grill meat for a month. The reason is that forest fires have been widespread in many places this summer, especially in Siberia.
Therefore, this ban is implemented in the cities hosting the World Cup.
