Tatar eco-activists ask FIFA President for help
A grove of birches and other trees is being cut down for the construction of a parking lot for Kazan Arena stadium. A number of locals and eco-activists are opposing the construction. In an attempt to achieve their objective, they have sent a message to the FIFA chief.
Eco-activists from Kazan sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino on 8 November, reports RFE/RL. The message is aimed to draw Infantino's attention to the fact that the parking lot for Kazan Arena stadium is being built on the site of a grove of trees. The activists asked Infantino 'to intervene in the situation' and to express his position on the issue. The head of soccer's world governing body is supposed to visit Kazan on 26 November to take part in the draw for the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017.
According to the Sustainability Strategy of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™(FWC), the FWC 'can and should be viewed as an opportunity to promote a responsible attitude towards the environment'. Key priorities are to minimize the environmental impacts of FWC-related activities and to increase awareness among all involved parties.'
The stadium construction was completed in July 2013. It was designed for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. The work of cutting down trees started in September 2016. The activists have tried to stop the works, but for all their efforts, they failed to do it.
Earlier this month, FIFA.com announced the pre-sale of the tickets for the Confederations Cup Russia 2017. Tickets for matches in the Host Cities — Kazan, Moscow, Sochi and Saint Petersburg – have been on sale since 8 November. The price of group-stage tickets starts from 960 rubles for Russian residents and from $70 for all other fans. The tickets are currently available only for Visa card holders, and the first general sales phase will begin on 1 December 2016 via FIFA.com/tickets. 'There is sure to be some great football action next June/July in Russia,' said FIFA Chief Commercial Officer Philippe Le Floc'h.