Russia steps up security as Confed Cup looms

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia has boosted security and scrambled to finish an $800-million stadium as it banks on the eight-nation Confederations Cup to gauge its readiness to host the World Cup next year.

Russia will showcase four of its 12 World Cup venues, including the scandal-plagued St. Petersburg Stadium, in a two-week tournament kicking off June 17 that will feature world champion Germany, the various regional champions and the host country.

Russia, now a record low 63rd in FIFA world rankings, has experienced upheaval with three managers in the last two years. But the country hopes to present itself as an able host in a farflung tournament that will test the security and logistics of its soccer infrastructure.

The tournament, held in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi and Kazan, is also meant to ensure the 2018 World Cup in President Vladimir Putin’s Russia runs smoothly as he faces political isola-tion over the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

Since clashes between Russian and English fans tarnished the European championship in France last year, Putin has approved legislation that toughens punishments for violence at sporting events as part of a broader crackdown on hooliganism.

The authorities say the Confederations Cup’s ticketing system, which requires ticket holders to apply for a personalized fan-ID, will ensure that fans are screened and hooligans kept away.

A bombing in St. Petersburg that left 16 dead in April also sparked fears that a similar attack could hit Russia during the tournament.

Russia’s Federal Security Service tried to assuage concerns on Tuesday, saying terrorism did not pose a threat to Confederations Cup participants and spectators.

Russia could run into trouble with its venue in St. Petersburg, where construction has taken a decade and been marred by delays, corruption allegations and reports of human rights violations.

A new pitch had to be laid at the 68,000-seat stadium less than a month before it hosts the Confederations Cup’s opening match between Russia and New Zealand, after uprooted chunks of grass spoiled the first match at the new venue.

Even before problems with the grass surfaced, issues with the stadium’s retractable pitch technology saw the playing surface vibrate and made it unfit for matches.

The authorities have downplayed the lingering issues at one of Russia’s most prized venues, assuring that it would be in pristine condition for the Confederations Cup.