Fans will face an alcohol ban the day before any World Cup game in Moscow, with authorities "taking measures to ensure the ugly scenes that tarnished Euro 2016 in France are not repeated at this summer’s tournament." The European championship was "marred by fan hooliganism during the group stages," particularly in Marseille where England and Russia supporters clashed. In an attempt to "avoid similar skirmishes," Russian authorities implemented a ban on the capital city that will restrict the sale of alcohol at bars, pubs, restaurants, supermarkets and off-licenses on the day before and day of any match. (London INDEPENDENT, 4/26).
Germany and Turkey both confirmed their bids to host the Euro 2024. The German FA (DFB) submitted its application on Tuesday, with the Turkish Football Federation "following suit" on Thursday. UEFA will announce the host on Sept. 27. Turkey has never hosted a major tournament, having unsuccessfully bid to jointly host Euro 2008 with Greece and the '12 and '16 editions "on its own" (BBC, 4/26).
In a "major geo-political snub" to Russia, the Ukraine Football Federation (FFU) announced it is boycotting the FIFA Congress in Moscow in June. The FFU said that it will "not send its representatives" to the June 13 summit. The FFU’s official website said that the decision was made Tuesday at an exec committee meeting (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 4/26).
