Russia to tighten security at transport hubs during 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup

MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. Russia will pay enhanced attention to the protection of transport facilities during the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, First Deputy Head of the Interior Ministry’s Department for Security Provision at Large International and Mass Sports Events Anton Gusev said on Tuesday. "The basic burden will be borne by the garrisons of the cities that will host the matches. Apart from that, we are involving police units from other Russian regions. Special attention will be paid to protecting transport hubs - airports, terminals and other transport facilities," Gusev said at a press conference held at the TASS news agency. "During our preparations for the Confederations Cup, we summarized the experience of Olympic Games, the Universiade, the [FIFA] World Cup and the [UEFA] Euro Cup. We analyzed both positive aspects and drawbacks. We are taking efforts to ensure that the tournament is held in secure and comfortable conditions," he said. The Russian police will place hotels and sites where football teams will be training under enhanced protection, the Interior Ministry official said. "Yes, special measures will be in effect [during the Confederations Cup]. We’ll place hotels and training sites under protection and we’ll be in charge of security checks at stadiums. The teams will be accompanied by traffic police cars," he added. On May 9, 2017, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the specifics of using enhanced security measures in Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. The FIFA Confederations Cup, dubbed the ‘Tournament of Champions,’ is also viewed by experts as just a rehearsal, with only one year to go to the FIFA World Cup. This year’s tournament will be held between June 17 and July 2 at four stadiums in Russia and they are Spartak Stadium in Moscow, St. Petersburg Stadium, Fisht Stadium in Sochi and the Kazan Arena in Kazan. Participants in the 2017 Confederations Cup are hosts Russia, 2014 FIFA World Cup Champions Germany, 2015 Copa America Champions Chile, 2015 AFC Asian Cup Champion Australia, 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup winners Mexico, 2016 UEFA Euro Cup champs Portugal, OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) Nations Cup victors New Zealand and 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Champion Cameroon. Read more