The southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don "has more than just a passing interest in peace breaking out in Ukraine as it prepares to host matches in the 2018 World Cup," according to Mike Collett of REUTERS.
In addition to building a new stadium, airport, hotels and restaurants, the local and regional authorities "have to reassure fans they will be safe in a city that lies little more than 80 km (50 miles) from east Ukraine." Rostov region Governor Vasily Golubev said, "I am sure that there is still time for this conflict to end in peace before the World Cup. Anyone thinking of coming here will be safe." Security "is sure to be tight," but Russian officials point out that the Sochi Winter Olympics last year "passed off without any major security problems, despite concerns before the Games that attacks might be staged on the Black Sea city." City Mayor Sergei Gorban: "The situation in Ukraine will not affect the World Cup in Rostov. We are very sorry and feel compassionate about what is happening in Ukraine, but the World Cup in Rostov will be a momentous event in our safe and secure city." Like most of the 11 cities preparing for the finals, Rostov "sees the World Cup as a chance to put itself on the map and attract foreign tourists." Like other host venues, "it is also far from ready."
The new 43,000-seat stadium "is just a shell."
The organizers "also plan to redevelop the river bank with new hotels, shops and restaurants." A new airport "is being built from scratch outside the city and this is seen as key to developing business in the region" (REUTERS, 7/16).
GIVE PEACE A MATCH: In a separate piece, Collett wrote the governor of the Russian city that "was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War Two, wants to stage a 'peace match'" between the Russian and German national football teams in the lead-up to the 2018 World Cup.
Although there have been no formal discussions about the match taking place, Andrei Bocharov, the governor of the Volgograd region, said that "he would like the two nations to meet in a friendly international marking the official opening of the Victory Stadium." Bocharov: "We would welcome such a match here, it would be a match of peace. I am sure that a match such as Germany against Russia would capture the public's imagination in this city and I am sure the demand for tickets would be far greater than the capacity the stadium could hold" (REUTERS, 7/16).
