Syndigate - The 2018 FIFA World Cup is anticipated to lure many Iranian fans to Russia as Iran national team has been qualified for the prestigious event which will be held next year.
Iranians have expressed their happiness and are proud over their victorious national squad, yet willing to travel to the neighboring country to support Team Melli.
“I’m happy that the Iranian team will be going to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which is our neighbor. I’m sure to go there to support our national squad. I’m not afraid of going to Moscow or any other city in Russia,” the Sputnik quoted Pouria, an Iranian fan from Lorestan province, on Thursday.
Ali, a soccer buff from the city of Ramsar, has said: “As an Iranian, I’m glad that our footballers are going to play at the world championship. I’m also glad that the World Cup will be held in Russia, which is just a 3.5-hour flight from here. If I have the chance, I’d be happy to come to Russia to support our team.”
Despite all Western attempts to badmouth next year’s World Cup in Russia, Iranian fans are foursquare behind it, Abbas Ismail Beigi, leader of the Persepolis football club’s fan told the Sputnik.
“We just can’t wait to go to Russia. Iranian fans never listen to the lies some countries are telling [about the 2018 World Cup in Russia]. The only thing that bothers us is the high cost of our stay in Russia. Still, with the financial support we’ve been getting from the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and special offers from Russia, we hope that many Iranians will be able to come to Russia,” he said.
Russia introduces visa-free scheme for certain fans
Russia has introduced a new scheme that will allow football fans to enter the country for the Confederations Cup without a visa, espnfc.com reported earlier this month.
The “FAN ID” document will enable supporters to save hundreds of dollars as not only does it mean they will not need to purchase a visa, but it also grants free travel in both the cities that the Confederations Cup games are being played and for inter-city match travel as well.
FAN ID is mandatory for all supporters wishing to attend any Confederations Cup games and only is valid if they have tickets for the tournament, the report added.
Supporters from over 100 countries around the globe have already applied for the document. The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be held across venues in over 10 Russian cities in June and July 2018.