About 20,000 Russian football fans are expected to travel to Brazil for the upcoming World Cup tournament, the head of the Russian consulate in Rio de Janeiro has said.
Of this number, about 500 people have been labeled as "violent fans, who may require special attention from consular services and law enforcement agencies," consulate head Andrei Budayev said, Itar-Tass reported Monday.
Budayev also called on Russian fans to employ "common sense" during the tournament to avoid getting into any unwanted trouble.
"Avoid risky behavior, comply with the laws, rules and customs of the host country in order to avoid any misunderstandings and conflicts," Burdayev was quoted as saying by Itar-Tass.
He added that an an extra six diplomats would be flying out to the Brazilian capital during the course of the tournament in order to "strengthen the consulates' ability to protect the rights and interests of Russian citizens."
The World Cup, which takes place every four years, kicks off in Sao Paulo this Friday when home nation Brazil take on Croatia at the Arena Corinthians.
Russia play South Korea in their first game next Tuesday, before facing Algeria and Belgium, with the top two teams in the group progressing through to the next round.
See also:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.