Chiefs at the Foreign Office believe the 2018 Russian World Cup will flop because of the country’s football yobs

FOREIGN Office chiefs reckon next year’s World Cup in Russia will flop because of the country’s football yobs.

They predict ticket sales will “struggle”, a Sun Freedom of Information request revealed.

Russia's Hooligan Army / BBC 2

Russian hooligans known as the Orel Butchers are bulking up ahead of the World Cup[/caption]

EPA

The tournament will run from 14 June 2018 to 15 July 2018[/caption]

They made the claims in a telegram to colleagues in London after visiting football stadiums in Russia, including Sochi which will host matches.

It said: “There are signs that ticket sales will struggle, partly due to Russia’s poor international reputation including for hooliganism.”

Fifa has already failed to get financial backing for the cup from firms put off by Russian fans’ violence at Euro 2016.

Russian MP Igor Lebedev told thugs after they battled England supporters in Marseilles: “Well done lads. Keep it up!”

The Foreign Office said British and Russian police have already met to discuss hooliganism.

They said “enhanced security measures will be in place”.

 

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AFP - Getty

Russian MP Igor Lebedev told thugs after they battled England supporters during Euro 16: ‘Well done lads. Keep it up!’[/caption]

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A view of Samara Arena which is under construction ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup[/caption]

Fifa said the Russian authorities had contacted Uefa and Euro 2016 organisers to learn lessons from France.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “This is being taken in utmost seriousness.”

The tournament runs from June 14 to July 15.

The Sun revealed in May footage of a shocking street brawl in Krasnodar, Russia.

Euro 2016 in France was marred by violence when Russia and England fans clashed in Marseille.