Russia on Saturday signed a Council of Europe convention which will restrict violent football fans from leaving the country, the RIA Novosti news agency reported.
The convention, already signed by 14 countries, states that those who commit crimes or violate public order during football matches will be restricted from traveling abroad.
A number of Russian football fans, including those arrested last month in France and Germany over provoking brawls during the 2016 European Championship, will be subject to the restriction and will be barred from visiting foreign stadiums under the new laws, according to the document.
Convention signatories will exchange information such as the personal data of fans and have also agreed on police cooperation to ensure safety at international football games.
Ten more countries, including Britain and Germany, are currently considering signing the convention, the Kommersant newspaper reported.
Last month, the Russian State Duma approved the creation of a blacklist of Russia’s most dangerous fans who would no longer be allowed to attend mass sporting events.
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.
