According to reports by The New York Times, ticket sales for the upcoming FIFA World Cup have already been impacted by the country's well-documented position on LGBTIQ+ rights.
“Russia has made it quite clear about its stance on gay fans, which I know gives a lot of our members and U.S. fans concern,” Dan Wiersema, who has previously helped arrange World Cup trips for U.S. fans, said of the upcoming tournament.
Alexei Smertin, a Russian Football Union official responded to community concern late last year, assuring football fans that “you can come here and not be fined for expressing feelings."
"The law is about propaganda to minors,” he clarified.
The former football player also said that there would "definitely be no ban on wearing rainbow symbols" in Russia during the World Cup.
According to Fare, the anti-discrimination soccer network which advises FIFA, the statements from Smertin were a sign of good faith.
“He’s giving some reassurances and that’s all that people want,” Piara Powar, Fare's executive director, told The Guardian.
Powar continued: “People want to know that they can come here safely, that they will be protected, that they are wanted.”
“The guide will advise gay people to be cautious in any place which is not seen to be welcoming to the LGBT community,” Powar said.
“The same message is there for black and ethnic minority fans: Do go to the World Cup, but be cautious.”
In response to ongoing tensions, USA Today reports that Russian LGBTIQ+ leaders have arranged for a Pride House to be set up in St. Petersburg, in order to help LGBTIQ+ visitors "find shelter" throughout the World Cup.
Still, according to reports by The Sun, as few as 10,000 England fans are expected to travel to Russia next month - the country's lowest turnout in years.
The World Cup begins June 14, with the finals taking place July 15 at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.
