Russia 2018

[Ikarus360]

Weird. Since 2006 they have been unveiling the new logos of the succeeding host, shortly before the final of the present one.

[Bezzi]

I think they changed because the launch of the new logo is completely overshadowed by the current tournament.

[Ikarus360]

At least that kinda helped to forget quickly about that awful facepalm logo which still makes many brazilians groan of shame to this day.

[Bezzi]

I don't think the 2014 logo is so bad, but lets hope Russia do better.

[baron-pierreIV]

I think they changed because the launch of the new logo is completely overshadowed by the current tournament.

Nah. Russia is not the darling in international circles these days. So, it's better to wait a little after all the hubbub of Sochi and the Crimea...and at least let the 2014 host bask in all their glory, before muscling in for the next one. (At least, that's my reading of the delay of the logo release.)

[gotosy]

some controversial news from Russia

Mutko Says Russia's Political Stability Key to Avoiding Brazil's World Cup Mistakes

• The Moscow Times
• May. 27 2014 21:03
• Last edited 21:03

Russian Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko hailed Russia's political stability as a key factor in avoiding the problems Brazil has faced as host of this year's World Cup, including large-scale protests and unfinished stadiums.

"The country that hosts a tournament of this magnitude should be stable politically," Mutko said at a press conference on Tuesday, ITAR-TASS reported. "This is what we have and thus should not have any problems [in hosting the 2018 World Cup]. Brazil is a federal state and provincial leaders has extensive prerogatives. Elections were held and the new leaders did not want to fulfill their obligations toward FIFA."

Mutko added that all Russian regions involved in hosting the 2018 World Cup had adopted its development program, which will be carried out regardless of elections or changes in regional leadership.

Despite his analysis of Brazil's political situation, Mutko conceded that problems are bound to occur in all large scale events, and that the country would certainly host a high-level event. The Minister also noted that there had been no complaints regarding Russia's preparations for its own World Cup.

Russia has pledged to build 12 new stadiums for the 2018 tournament. The country does not currently have a stadium that fulfills FIFA requirements.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/mutko-says-russias-political-stability-key-to-avoiding-brazils-world-cup-mistakes/501000.html

Crimea and Sevastopol Could Be Involved in 2018 World Cup – Russian Official

MOSCOW, May 27 (RIA Novosti) – Crimea and Sevastopol, recently reunified as part of Russia, could theoretically be involved in hosting the 2018 World Cup, Russia's chief organizer for the event said Tuesday.

"Theoretically, they may be involved, since they are no different from any other subjects of the federation,” the chief organizer of the event, Alexei Sorokin, said at a press briefing.

“The requirements are the same for everyone, if they comply with them, then we shall consider [their entry]. Still, FIFA will not make any exceptions in the requirements for them. There must be an airport ready to accept certain types of aircraft, a decent hotel, a football field with a stand containing 500 seats, and appropriate light fixtures."

The governing board of Russia’s 2018 organizing committee met on Tuesday. Sorokin and the chairman of the committee, Russian Minister of Sport Vitaly Mutko, were among the participants.

Matches for the 2018 FIFA World Cup are to be held in 11 Russian cities, and all of the stadiums are either being built from scratch or undergoing major renovation. Sorokin has promised the arenas will be completed nearly a year ahead of the first kick-off.

http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140527/190170642/Crimea-and-Sevastopol-Could-Be-Involved-in-2018-World-Cup-.html

[gotosy]

Russia's 2018 World Cup will give fans with tickets free ground travel between 11 host cities

RIO DE JANEIRO – Fans with game tickets will be offered free ground transportation between host cities at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Alexey Sorokin, the head of the Russian organizing committee, says "free travel is a guarantee that we signed at the highest level during our bid."

Speaking Saturday in Rio, Sorokin says train or bus travel will be offered between the 11 host cities, all located in the west of the country. Twelve stadiums will be used. Sorokin describes it as a "complicated" system that's being worked out.

Travel has been challenging — and expensive — at the last three major football tournaments, including this year's World Cup in Brazil, the 2012 European championship, and South Africa's 2010 World Cup.

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/06/14/russia-2018-world-cup-will-give-fans-with-tickets-free-ground-travel-between-11/

[baron-pierreIV]

I bet the whole thing /\/\ will collapse after the prelims. Even more crazy than the 'free travel' will be accommodations once the quarters start -- shuttling around fans of 16 nations at the last minute???

[Ripley]

I'm just not that bothered about visiting Russia - its big and has an interesting history but it just seems so unwelcoming and on a par with Iran in terms of relations with the West. I wouldn't feel safe there. These assertions about political stability are just hilarious... we'll see how stable it is as the Russian economy stagnates and Putin runs out of petro-dollars to pay off his cronies and suppress dissent...

[Faster]

I'm just not that bothered about visiting Russia - its big and has an interesting history but it just seems so unwelcoming and on a par with Iran in terms of relations with the West. I wouldn't feel safe there. These assertions about political stability are just hilarious... we'll see how stable it is as the Russian economy stagnates and Putin runs out of petro-dollars to pay off his cronies and suppress dissent...

The situation in both countries is complicated. Especially in Russia were race is involved in how you are treated. A typical white person will usually be treated very well by locals, but everyone that is obviously not Russia is easily targeted by authorities and police looking for a bribe.

Iran on the other hand is known to be very welcoming, especially if you show respect to the host.

It is hard to generalize a country based on its government. Many countries have awful governments (Thailand, Myanmar, Fiji, Zambia, Egypt, Cuba) but the experiences their generally are very positive if not ethically sound. Though Russia is a little special in that its government is just outright hostile to foreigners.

[zekekelso]

Russia's 2018 World Cup will give fans with tickets free ground travel between 11 host cities

Speaking Saturday in Rio, Sorokin says train or bus travel will be offered between the 11 host cities, all located in the west of the country. Twelve stadiums will be used.

It's a *big* country. Even if they are "all in the West" cities like Sochi, Kaliningrad, Yekaterenburg are all 40+ hour bus rides from each other.

Plus, the Russians didn't exatly live up to all their promises of "eased visa rules during the Olympics". I wouldn't count on any promises, especially not this far out.

And yet, I want to go. A lot.

Note - There were tons of worries about friendliness, safety, etc before Sochi 2014. People (well, my mom) begged me not to go.

It was a ton of fun. Barring some mega-change in the world in the next four year, I say go.

[ofan]

It's a *big* country. Even if they are "all in the West" cities like Sochi, Kaliningrad, Yekaterenburg are all 40+ hour bus rides from each other.

Plus, the Russians didn't exatly live up to all their promises of "eased visa rules during the Olympics". I wouldn't count on any promises, especially not this far out.

And yet, I want to go. A lot.

Note - There were tons of worries about friendliness, safety, etc before Sochi 2014. People (well, my mom) begged me not to go.

It was a ton of fun. Barring some mega-change in the world in the next four year, I say go.

F'ck that sh*t. I'm not going anywhere that supports those bastards.

[olympiaki-agones]

I'm just not that bothered about visiting Russia - its big and has an interesting history but it just seems so unwelcoming and on a par with Iran in terms of relations with the West. I wouldn't feel safe there. These assertions about political stability are just hilarious... we'll see how stable it is as the Russian economy stagnates and Putin runs out of petro-dollars to pay off his cronies and suppress dissent...

I would agree Russia seems quite unwelcoming in some neighborhoods in big cities like St. Petersburg or Moscow, but rural Russia is totally different. And about iran, you'd be surprised how welcoming, safe and hospitable the society is. I know the International media is so shitty, but the best is visting those countries and travel with your backpack and hitchhike.

I just did it 7 years ago around Iran, and definitely stayed for seven months, and believe me, one of the happiest days in my life were spent in Iran. Of course, I hate their awful regime, but people are just great!!!!

Anyway, I still wonder how Russia will manage to host the FIFA WC after this year mess.

[baron-pierreIV]

Iran? Didn't three American students accidentally wonder across the border and they got picked up and charged with spying?

That's 'welcoming'? Wow.

[Faster]

Iranian authorities can be a little paranoid.

[baron-pierreIV]

Iranian authorities can be a little paranoid.

"...a little..."? Uhmm... what about a 1979 embassy incident??

[Alexjc]

Iranian authorities can be a little paranoid.

The Shar was an equally horrific scumbag, and of course propped up by America for access to that black liquid gold.

Anyways, I still think we wont get that same welcoming feel we are having with Brazil.

There's just something that just feels so unwelcoming about Russia, they just seem so suspicious about everyone.

[gotosy]

Russia suspends alcohol ad ban as World Cup focus switches to 2018

July 10 - Russia's Federation Council on Wednesday passed a bill which will suspend the ban on alcohol advertising which had initially been brought in to help tackle the country's most acute public health crisis – alcohol abuse. The new measure allows TV advertising of alcohol, but only in conjunction with sports events.

The new rule responds to pressure from FIFA and its sponsor Anheuser-Busch InBev, whose Budweiser brand is the official beer of the tournament until 2022.

The Federation Council, the upper house of Russia's parliament, said the move would "attract additional sponsorship revenue to support the organisation, staging and development of sports events in Russia."

In the decade prior to the ban on alcohol advertising, which was introduced in 2012, beer sales in Russia had increased by more than 40%, whilst they slumped in 2013 and 2014, giving public health campaigners hope that the country was on a path to dealing with an alcohol-related public health crisis which has seen Russian men's average life expectancy drop to 60, 100,000s of people reportedly dying of alcohol-related illnesses per year and significant health effects on pregnant women and future generations of Russians.

The legislative changes come in the wake of the Sochi Olympics, which were largely dry, with sale of alcohol banned inside sports stadiums and arenas and the official beer supplier, Baltika, selling non-alcoholic beer inside the Olympic Park.

The governing body's position has always been clear to host countries that the sales of beer is part of the World Cup and an important FIFA sponsorship. Budweiser is a FIFA sponsor through to 2022.

...

http://www.insideworldfootball.com/world-cup/russia-2018/15042-russia-suspends-alcohol-ad-ban-as-world-cup-focus-switches-to-2018

[StefanMUC]

Another point of contention with Qatar 2022, I guess?

As for lifting the ban (just like Brazil), I find it disgusting that FIFA sponsors can dictate laws. There's a concrete reason why this ban was introduced in Russia, but obviously FIFA profit comes before the health of the people.

[Daze]

What about the logo?

[Ikarus360]

^^ I heard it will be announced in September. Also wow, once again FIFA acting is af they rule the world.

[gotosy]

Brazil hands over World Cup to Russia at Rio’s Maracana Stadium

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff symbolically handed over the World Cup to her Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Sunday, as Russia is set to host the 2018 tournament. The two were joined by FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

The ceremony took place inside Maracana Stadium before the Germany-Argentina final in Rio de Janeiro.

"I want to congratulate President Rousseff on how the World Cup was organized," Putin said, according to a FIFA statement. "We will do all we can to organize the event on the highest level.”

“Football helps to solve social problems. Our task is to create the best possible conditions for the coaches, players, experts and fans. I am grateful to President Blatter and his colleagues from FIFA for the honor to organize the World Cup,” he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and FIFA president Joseph Blatter during the official ceremony of handing over the 2018 World Cup signed certificate to Russia, July 13, 2014. (RIA Novosti / Aleksey Nikolskyi)

In a symbolic gesture, Blatter presented a signed certificate, which marks the handover. The two presidents also received official match balls.

Rousseff congratulated everyone on the success of the World Cup. "Brazil is very proud for once again having staged the biggest football celebration in the world. In the last 30 days the world has been connected to Brazil, celebrating goals with a lot of emotion in the 12 host cities and making this the World Cup of World Cups.”

She also invited the world to attend the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which Rio de Janeiro will host in 2016.

After the handover, Blatter spoke about FIFA’s message. “FIFA’s World Cup in Brazil had a very special message to give – a message of togetherness and of connecting people, a message of peace and of anti-discrimination,” he said.

“We have enjoyed a successful World Cup and we will have a legacy in this country. At the same time there is a responsibility for the next host country and I’m confident that Russia will take on this responsibility and also give us a wonderful World Cup to remember in 2018.”

From right: Russian President Vladimir Putin, FIFA president Joseph Blatter and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff during the official ceremony of handing over the 2018 World Cup signed certificate to Russia, July 13, 2014. (RIA Novosti / Aleksey Nikolskyi)

...

http://rt.com/news/172488-brazil-world-cup-russia/

[zekekelso]

'Cause nothing says peace and anti-discrimination than giving the games to Putin.

[Victor Mata]

Dilma looks like "Thank God it's over"

[Rob2012]

Imagine....you've only got one bullet...