'FAN ID' hopes to empower FIFA 2018 spectators in Russia

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There is some good news for fans who are planning a trip to Russia for the upcoming World Cup to be held in June-July.

With the biggest event in world football kicking off in two months, the host country's Communications Ministry has addressed the issue of “FAN IDs.”

The document will entitle its holder to free travel on the special trains between venues during the tournament, as well as free access to public transport on match days.

The fan identification must be applied for by anyone who buys a ticket to the World Cup, and if granted, will provide foreign visitors a free visa to Russia for the event.

Foreign citizens must leave Russia using their respective “FAN IDs” within ten days after the date of the last match. The document will also allow for free transportation between World Cup venue cities.

A man shows an example FAN ID for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia during an event in Moscow, Russia. /VCG Photo

Russia is expected to give out between two and three million IDs for the event, but buying a ticket doesn't necessarily ensure an ID.

Addressing the media, Andrey Chernenko from Russia's Ministry of Communications said that there have been a few cases where requests for “FAN IDs” have been denied.

He mentioned: “There are certain lawbreakers that we hope won't be coming here, but if people with bad intentions do try coming, we will have access blocked for them – and they will not get into any stadiums. They will not go through checkpoints. They will receive messages saying they have been denied access, and they won't be able to get to the stadiums.”