Further to various state guarantees by Russia to FIFA in relation to securing the 2018 FIFA Football World Cup, the Russian State Duma on 7 June 2013 adopted special legislation for the preparation and staging the 2018 FIFA Football World Cup and the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia (the "Law").

The Law defines the legal status and authority of the "Russia-2018? Organisational Committee ("Committee") as established by the Russian Federation and the Russian National Football Team in accordance with Russian legislation on preparing for and staging the 2018 FIFA Football World Cup and 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup (the "Events"). The Law also determines the legal status and the authority of the various regional organisational committees in the 15 city's/regions which will host the Events.

Addressing one of the key inhibitors of Russian travel and tourism, the Law grants visa-free entry to Russia for up to five months prior to the Events for players, trainers and other individuals named on a FIFA prepared accreditation list. Further, no local police registration at place of stay will be required for such individuals. Also, foreign workers involved in the organisation, preparation and holding of the Events will not have to obtain Russian work permits during the Events period. Foreign fans travelling to Russia to attend the Events will also not require visas. Also, football fans with match tickets will receive free travel on public transport ( including inner city trains) between host cities.

The Law sets out strict security and safety regulations for the period of preparing for and staging the Events, including the establishment of traffic and air-traffic restrictions, the creation of controlled zones, a ban on public events not connected with the Events and the suspension of the manufacture of dangerous materials, etc.

The Law also permits the unlimited import and export of foreign currency to/from the Russian Federation and unlimited currency exchange and conversion for employees and official bodies of FIFA and their subsidiaries.

The Law further addresses the intellectual property rights of FIFA, including the right to use the Events symbols and goods, to distribute match tickets, to select producers of sport equipment and Events merchandise. It further establishes limitations on advertising such that , during the Events period, advertising may only be carried out by officially designated partners of FIFA and general rules on exclusive advertising zones and ambush marketing rules are established.

Under the Law, FIFA, its subsidiaries and designated agents, the Russian National Football Team, the Committee, various FIFA national football confederations and associations, those individuals included on FIFA accredited lists, and Events volunteers and participants are indemnified against any 3rd party claims and losses resulting from the Russian Government failing to deliver on its guaranty's to FIFA to adequately prepare for and stage the Events.

The Law also regulates issues regarding the construction and renovation of stadiums for FIFA matches and other real estate issues, including simplifying the land use and construction permitting processes for Events facilities to be constructed or renovated.

Also, like the Olympics Law for Sochi 2014, the Law establishes maximum prices for hotel accommodation which may be charged during the Events period.

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