Socceroos World Cup 2018: Aussie fans warned on Russian travel

THINKING of travelling along with an expected 10,000-strong green and gold army to watch Australia at the FIFA World Cup in Russia? Read this first.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou. Picture: Toby Zerna

A GREEN and gold army of up to 10,000 fans will join the Socceroos on the road to Russia for the FIFA World Cup in the wake of Australia’s exciting entry to the showcase.

Jubilant Aussie fans, excited to see the Socceroos contest their fourth straight World Cup, yesterday inundated travel agents and tour companies in the hope of sec­uring seats at next year’s sporting showpiece.

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Aussie fans heading to Russia will rock the rouble, scoff stroganoff and pay about $4.60 for half a litre of vodka.

But they will also have to carry a Russian issued identity document known as a Fan ID to attend matches.

And they have been urged to “exercise a high degree of caution’’ by the Australian government, due to the threat of terrorist activity and crime.

Green and Gold Army tour company director Michael Edgley said fears about crime, corruption or the reign of Vladimir Putin would be swept aside by Socceroos fans.

“A lot of people probably don’t have Russia on their bucket list but now that we’re off to the World Cup, I think their eyes will be opened to an amazing country steeped in history and culture,’’ he said.

Fanatics founder Warren Livingstone said Australia’s last-gasp qualification after a drawn out 2½-year slog was likely to draw sports fans to Russia.

“I actually think the fact our qualification was so protracted it rekindled a lot of interest in the Socceroos,’’ he said. “If people can get over the fear factor, they will ­support it like the other cups.’’

Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak signs autographs. Picture: Toby Zerna

A green and gold army of up to 10,000 fans will join the Socceroos on the road to Russia. Picture: AFP /Mladen Antonov

He said about 1000 Aussie fans would join the Fanatics tour, including former Socceroo and Fox Sports commentator Mark Bosnich who will travel as a celebrity host.

“The security is that strict over there that in reality, it’s probably one of the safety ­places on earth to go,’’ he said.

Airlines were yesterday selling 22-hour flights from Melbourne to Moscow from about $1400, but those prices are expected to surge in coming months.

Those lucky enough to score tickets to the cup will pay between $131 for a group stage seat to $1370 for premium entry to the final.

Government website Smarttraveller.gov.au last night urged people travelling to Russia to “pay close attention to your personal security at all times’’.

It warned of racially motivated assaults often perpetrated by skinhead groups or ultranationalists.

“High incidence’’ of passport theft from foreign tourists was listed, along with robberies, assaults and warnings of travellers being drugged and robbed while drinking in bars.

“There have also been reports of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police or other local officials,’’ it said.

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