Elland Road fans forum

Posted by

at 13:43 on Thursday 10 May 2018

Thank you to the Travel Club members who attended the ESTC fans forum at Elland Road on Tuesday 8 May. As with the previous forum held in Walsall, the purpose of the forum was to discuss safety and security arrangements for the World Cup and for Travel Club members to meet Gareth Southgate and Danny Mills.

In attendance were: Tom Regan from the FCO, Roger Evans from the UKFPU, Tony Conniford Head of Security at The FA and Harpreet Robertson from the England Supporters Travel Club. The main topics of discussion were:

The FAN ID

All supporters heading to Russia for the purpose of the tournament are advised to request their FAN ID in advance as they can take up to 4 weeks to arrive. When entering the stadium, supporters will be required to wear their FAN IDs around their necks at all times; the FAN ID will be scanned as a supporter enters the stadium and the photo submitted for the FAN ID will be displayed on a large screen. If the photo of the person on screen does not match that of the person entering the stadium, entry will not be permitted.

The sale or transfer of a FAN ID is strictly prohibited as it is a legal document.

Supporters were also reminded that neither the Travel Club membership card nor the World Cup tickets themselves act as a FAN ID and any supporter who does not acquire one will not be permitted entry into the country for the purpose of the tournament.

At the stadium

Supporters are urged to arrive at the stadium at least 2 hours before kick-off. This is due to the lengthy and thorough security checks that will take place in the perimeter around the stadium, and at the stadium itself. Roger Evans from the UKFPU advised that security checks at the stadium are similar to that of airports so supporters will be required to empty their pockets, show that their electric devices (mobile phones, tablets etc) are in working order and receive a full pat-down.

Roger Evans also advised that for Russia's last match against France in St Petersburg, the stadium did not fill up until half-time due to the late walk-up of fans; it is imperative that if supporters wish to watch the whole game, they arrive at the stadium early.

Travel advice

The FCO advised that there will be mobile embassy 'units' in each of England's group match cities. Supporters are urged to check their 'Be On The Ball' website for frequent updates with regards to travel and security advice.

Tom Regan from the FCO advised that they would investigate whether a transit visa was required when entering Russia via Belarus and would be updating their website with further information. The FCO and UKFPU are also looking to seek further clarification regarding the sat-nav system required for hired coaches entering Russia.

With regards to travelling to Russia, each member of the panel stated that it was advisory to pack essentials in hand-luggage. All panellists had experienced issues of check-in bags going missing or arriving in the wrong destination. Panellists also stated that some luggage had been opened and money/valuables going missing so they advised members to keep all money and essentials in hand-luggage.

The FCO stated that it is the responsibility of the hotel or private landlord/owner of any rented accommodation to register you upon arrival in the town/city if residing there for 24hrs or more. It was also recommended that supporters carry their passports with them at all times - Russian residents do it so it was advisable for foreign visitors to do the same.

England Supporters Club