The Russian city of St. Petersburg marked 100 days to go until the start of the FIFA Confederations Cup on Thursday (9th March).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Festivities were organised in St. Petersburg, Russia on Thursday, to mark 100 days until the Confederations Cup begins.

Banners announcing the Confederations Cup were unveiled at the St. Petersburg arena with organisers promising some "beautiful" football at the venue this summer.

Media representatives were taken on a tour of the stadium.

A flashmob was organised at the central square to help celebrate the 100 day countdown.

St.Petersburg, Russia. 9th Match, 2017.

1. 00:00 Various of Confederations Cup sign being unveiled

2. 00:42 Pan of St.Petersburg Arena stadium

3. 00:53 SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Alexei Sorokin, Head of World Cup 2018 Organising Committee:

"In terms of football it's a really beautiful tournament (Confederations Cup), a competition between six winners of continental competitions, an action champion and the hosting country team - that of Russia. So there's no doubt that we can expect amazing football."

4. 01:09 Various of the stadium

5. 01:32 Man showing media the monitoring room

6. 01:38 Brazilian footballer Cafu and Russian Dmitry Sennikov showing their skills with a ball

7. 02:07 Various stadium exteriors

8. 02:34 Various flashmob on Dvortsovaya square and people dancing

9. 02:49 Various of DJ performance

10. 03:01 Football freestyler

11. 03:33 SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Artem Yarutkin, student:

"Finally we will host a championship. Many teams will come to our country and we will have a chance to go and see them playing football, feel all the emotions."

12. 04:15 Various of the flashmob, people dancing

SOURCE: SNTV.

DURATION: 04:50

Moscow's Red Square was transformed into a football pitch on Friday (18th September) as Russia launched its 1,000-day countdown to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

As the 1,000-day countdown to the FIFA World Cup in Russia began on Friday, fans were able to enjoy a flavour of the atmosphere of football's greatest festival in Moscow's Red Square.

The iconic Square has been transformed into a football pitch and players representing the under-16 teams from Italy, Spain and Germany - the three last World Cup winners - had a chance to play in this historic location.

Friday's countdown ceremony culminated with the unveiling of the countdown clock, with former World Cup winners Lothar Matthaus of Germany, Italy's Gianluca Zambrotta, Spain's Fernando Hierro and Russia's Igor Akinfeyev on hand to press the red button and launch the countdown.

Attended by high-ranking FIFA officials, the celebrations came as FIFA remains embroiled in a corruption scandal, partly over the awarding of the 2018 tournament to Russia.

On Thursday (17th September), FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke was abruptly relieved of his duties over his alleged involvement in a ticketing scam.

The Kremlin has said that the country honestly participated in the bidding process and that its status as host country should not be called into question.

Similar countdown events are taking place in more than 30 Russian cities, including the host cities of Saint Petersburg and Kazan.

The 2018 World Cup opening match will take place at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on 14th June, 2018.

Moscow, Russia. 18th September, 2015.

1. 00:00 Pan of replica of World Cup on display in Red Square.

2. 00:22 Various of young players performing football skills.

3. 00:46 SOUNDBITE (English): Colin Smith, FIFA Director of Competitions:

"It's a celebration of football. It marks a significant milestone in our progress towards the tournament. What better way to celebrate it than here on Red Square with an iconic football match, with youth teams from the three last world champions. It's a milestone for the public of Russia, it's a milestone for football fans around the world, and it's also a milestone for us in terms of getting the operations ready. It's all about a celebration and and build up of excitement to the summer of 2018 now."

4. 01:15 Various of ceremony marking 1,000 days to go until World Cup.

5. 02:26 SOUNDBITE (Russian): Vladimir Putin, President of Russia:

+++ for our Russian-speaking clients +++

6. 02:56 Various of ceremony to unveil the countdown clock in Red Square.

7. 03:26 Former World Cup winners Lothar Matthaus of Germany, Italy's Gianluca Zambrotta, Spain's Fernando Hierro and Russia's Igor Akinfeyev help to press red button launching the countdown.

The future of the Confederations Cup is uncertain after FIFA president Gianni Infantino said "everything is on the table" as the tournament's future is reviewed.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is warning that the future of the Confederations Cup is uncertain beyond next year's competition in Russia.

Speaking ahead of the draw for the 2017 edition of the tournament, Infantino says it remains unclear how and when the following edition, provisionally set for 2021, will be played.

That's because the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be held in November and December, meaning the Confederations Cup would cause severe disruption to the club calendar if held in its traditional slot a year before the bigger tournament.

Infantino says "we are putting everything on the table" as FIFA officials discuss questions such as whether it should be played in June or November and does the format need reworking?

"We have next year the Confederations Cup, then we will have the World Cup in 2022 which will be played in November, as you know, and December of 2022," Infantino said.

"This means that we will have to look at the Confederations Cup in any case for that period. Because shall we play it in June, shall we play it in November, shall we think about the format? We are putting everything on the table, we are studying everything, no decisions have been taken on any topic in this respect. And I think it is normal that we discuss, that people can have their views and their opinions, like of course Mr Rummenigge, who is a good friend, and we will discuss it with every one and then we'll find the best solution for the future."

The Confederations Cup was founded in 1992 and since 2005 it has been held in the same nation as the upcoming World Cup host doubling as a test event for local organisers.

The six confederation champions, previous World Cup winners and tournament hosts enter the vent.

The 2017 edition will take place in Russia starting on the 17th of June.

Kazan, Russia. 26th November, 2016.

1. 00:00 Various exterior of Kazan Arena, 2018 Russia World Cup venue.

2. 00:38 Wide shot of Kazan Arena.

3. 00:50 Various of stands of Kazan Arena.

4. 01:17 President of Russian Football Union Vitaly Mutko, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CEO of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Local Organising Committee Alexey Sorokin walking in for news conference.

5. 01:35 SOUNDBITE (English) Gianni Infantino, FIFA president:

(On the future of the Confederations Cup, and Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge having said 2017 will be the last edition of the Confederations Cup):

"We have next year the Confederations Cup, then we will have the World Cup in 2022 which will be played in November, as you know, and December of 2022. This means that we will have to look at the Confederations Cup in any case for that period. Because shall we play it in June, shall we play it in November, shall we think about the format? We are putting everything on the table, we are studying everything, no decisions have been taken on any topic in this respect. And I think it is normal that we discuss, that people can have their views and their opinions, like of course Mr Rummenigge, who is a good friend, and we will discuss it with every one and then we'll find the best solution for the future."

6. 02:37 Mutko and Infantino, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura and Sorokin attending the ceremony for the Kazan countdown clock to the 2018 World Cup.

7. 02:50 Close up of Infantino attending countdown ceremony.

9. 02:56 SOUNDBITE (English) Gianni Infantino, FIFA president:

(On the chance that Germany might not employ several top players in the Confederations Cup):

"Somebody really believes that the Germans don't take something seriously, and in particular a football tournament? You know the old definition of football? It's 22 players playing, and at the end the Germans win. So they will have a very strong team, and so will the others."

10. 03:19 Infantino, Samoura and Mutko attending countdown ceremony.

11. 03:27 SOUNDBITE (English) Gianni Infantino, FIFA president:

"The World Cup in Russia will be the first World Cup where officially we will use the Video Assistance Referee, to help the referees not to make mistakes, or not to make big mistakes. The World Cup, the football World Cup is the biggest event, it's the most important football competition, and if we can help a little bit the referee not to make big mistakes, well then we should take this opportunity."

12. 03:58 Infantino attending countdown ceremony (Upsound "We can count the days, the hours and even the seconds to the start of the World Cup")

13. 04:08 SOUNDBITE (English) Gianni Infantino, FIFA president:

(On the future of the Club World Cup):

"Club football is growing now also outside of Europe and South America, with clubs emerging and wanting to participate, and we need to see if we can find a stage for them, to involve them and to make the world of football benefit from that, then it will be welcome. If we cannot, then we continue. We are I think in this new era where we have to bring topics to the table to debate about competitions."

14. 04:39 News conference.

15 04:47 SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Gianni Infantino, FIFA president:

(On Chilean fans):

"I was in Chile for last year's Copa America. and that was the heart of football. We had an amazing final in Santiago del Chile's stadium, the whole country watching the game, and that's when you see the love for the national team. Obviously there are also some issues that need to be fixed, we have to tell to everybody to come here to celebrate football, and not to cause troubles."

16. 05:38 Cutaway of Infantino at news conference.

17. 05:43 SOUNDBITE (English) Gianni Infantino, FIFA president:

(On FIFA disciplinary case regarding Bolivia fielding an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier):

"This case is in front of our disciplinary bodies, everyone who has comments to make and those who are sending letters to me they know that as FIFA president I cannot in any case intervene and interfere. But of course the information and the different positions are handed over to the disciplinary bodies who will take the decisions having analysed all the documents. And they are also the masters of the timing, so I don't know when they will take the decision, obviously the sooner the better, so that we have a clear situation in this respect.

18. 06:27 Infantino and Mutko starting the 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup countdown clock, with balloons flying in the air and fireworks, then leaving as smoke from fireworks fills the air.

19 06:50 Various close-ups of countdown clock.

DURATION: 07:00.

The Russian Cup final was played at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on Tuesday (2nd May) - a dress rehearsal for the forthcoming Confederations Cup.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

The Confederations Cup starts on June the 17th - with the Fisht Stadium as one of the venues.

The arena was originally built to house the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

That done, a new use had to be found.

Football was the obvious answer - with the World Cup coming in 2018.

But to be compliant with FIFA regulations, the roof had to come off, and other remedial work undertaken.

Now completed, the structure was put to the test at Tuesday's Russian Cup final.

Lokomotiv defeat Ural thanks to two late goals - but the match will probably last longer in the memory for a mass brawl that erupted, deep in injury time.

Four red cards were shown - with further punishment likely to follow.

Tuesday also saw Russia's World Cup head and Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko provide further details on the ID system football fans will use for the most prestigious football tournament in the world.

Sochi, Russia - 2nd May 2017

1. 00:00 Various of the harbour

2. 00:21 Various of the World Cup 2018 countdown clock

3. 00:27 Various of the Fan ID centre exterior

4. 00:33 Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko receiving fan ID

5. 00:44 Information screens

6. 00:47 SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Vitaly Mutko, Russian Deputy Prime Minister

"Everything is quick and comfortable, so I invite everyone once again to receive the Fan ID. I would like to explain that the Fan ID is an element of our security system and also an element of extra services. First of all, every person that has a (fan) ID, a foreign citizen, has an opportunity to cross the border of the Russian Federation with this ID, everything is inside, everything the (usual) passport has. This ID can be received here on the spot in any Fan ID Centre. We will open them close to stadiums during the World Cup. There is a decision now, special amendments to the law, that the foreign citizen can get an electronic version through e-mail that makes it possible to cross the border and then the electronic ID can be changed for an original one that he will use further."

7. 01:47 Mutko talking to journalists

8. 01:50 SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Yuri Syomin, Lokomotiv coach

"My main feeling is that I'm delighted with our players. We had quite a complicated period, there were quite heavy defeats, there were not really quality games. But today they have reached the final very professionally and played with great quality, in my opinion, so we deserved this victory."

9. 02:31 Children's soccer team walking

10. 02:41 Volunteers greeting them, UPSOUND (Russian) "Hello dear city residents, we are happy to welcome you in the Olympic park!"

11. 02:50 SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Alexander Tarkhanov, Ural coach

"The load of responsibility was too heavy, not everyone can stand this load. However in terms of performance I can't make any claims to anyone. Everybody moved, fought, but not everything turned out as we planned. But on the whole the game was good and there was lots of fighting. We didn't give full swing to Lokomotiv anyway. They shot at goal from middle and long-range and only (Igor) Denisov's shot gave them victory. The second goal was a consequence of tactics being changed."

12. Various of the Confederation's Cup ticket centre

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 04:00

Football fans in Russia have spoken of their hope for a peaceful World Cup without hooliganism as they look ahead to the country hosting the tournament in 2018.

Clashes between Russian and English football fans in France at the Euro 2016 tournament made headlines for weeks and for fans in Russia that simply want to enjoy next year's event, safety is a concern.

Sergei Ptitsev, a fan of Moscow-based club FC Spartak, said he hopes that the events won't impact the World Cup.

"I think it's great to express emotions and have an adrenalin outburst at the stadium, but without any racism or physical aggression towards other people," he said.

In the run-up to the tournament, the Russian government has drastically tightened security and introduced the Fan ID - a pass, that involves an obligatory background check for every person that has purchased the ticket for a World Cup game.

Some warn that if there are any potential problems with hooliganism, Russian police and security will not hold back.

"Here they'll be very strict, I'm sure. And the problem will be solved," said Petr Shadrin a sports journalist at Kommersant FM.

"The problem might be solved with radical methods."

Igor, a young man in his 20s has been a Spartak fan since he was a little boy, unlike his grandfather, Viktor, who himself roots for Dinamo.

"We have never argued about that," said Igor.

"The wonderful game that is football unites us," nodded his grandfather, almost tearful.

Both men are equally excited about the World Cup.

"We can support different teams, says Viktor, but when it comes to the national team, all of us - Lokomotiv, Torpedo, Dinamo, Spartak supporters - we're all in one boat."

Moscow - November 28 2017

1. Various of Russia 2018 countdown clock near Red Square, people walking by

2. Various of World Cup-inspired graffiti on building

Moscow - November 27 2017

3. Various of Spartak fans having dinner and drinking before match

4. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Sergei Ptitsev, FC Spartak fan:

"We usually come here before the home matches of Spartak Moscow. It's Georgian and it's very tasty."

5. Close-up of Spartak emblem on hoodie

6. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Sergei Ptitsev, FC Spartak fan:

"I think it's great to express emotions and have an adrenalin outburst at the stadium, but without any racism or physical aggression towards other people. But other than that, it's absolutely normal to support your team, express emotions."

7. Spartak fan leaving restaurant

8. Spartak fans posing for camera in street ++NIGHT SHOT++

Moscow - November 21 2017

++NIGHT SHOTS++

9. Various of Otkrytie Arena stadium and police

Ekaterinburg - August 19 2017

10. Various of FC CSKA Moscow ultras (waving blue and red flags) in stand during match

11. Various of FC Ural Yekaterinburg ultras (wearing orange shirts) in stand

Ekaterinburg - November 22 2017

12. Establishing shot of sports analyst Petr Shadrin

13. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Petr Shadrin, sports journalist at Kommersant FM:

"There are problems with hooliganism everywhere. We remember Euro 2016 (UEFA European Championship), we remember Marseille and the clashes between the Russian and the British fans. But here they'll be very strict, I'm sure. And the problem will be solved. On the other hand, the problem might be solved with radical methods."

Moscow - November 21 2017

++NIGHT SHOTS++

14. Various exteriors of Otkrytie Arena stadium and fans

15. Fan Igor Malinin and his friend talking before match

16. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Igor Malinin, FC Spartak fan:

"I hope that the Russian national team will be in the group with the most difficult teams because I think that our team has to level up. And even though we play at home, the result is not important. I think, that we should play with the strong and be either beaten up or put up a decent game. One of the two."

17. Malinin and other fans walking outside

Moscow - November 23 2017

18. Various of Malinin and his grandfather Viktor watching football match at home

19. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Viktor Kurdyumov, FC Dinamo fan:

"We can support different teams, but when it comes to the national team, all of us - Lomotiv, Torpedo, Dinamo, Spartak supporters - are in one boat. And we root for our country. And we're looking forward to the World Cup."

Moscow - November 24 2017

20. Various of young men training at Spartak football academy

21. Various of Vyacheslav Vashkevich, trainer at Spartak football academy

22. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vyacheslav Vashkevich, trainer at Spartak football academy:

"The World Cup opens new possibilities. And I think that our main goal is to come to the stadium and to see with our own eyes the strongest football players in action."

23. Various of young men training

24. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Ruslan Litvinov, trainee at Spartak football academy:

"Every team has a chance to win. Russia has a good chance though, because we're playing at home and most of the supporters at the stadiums will be Russian. Of course their support will play a role."

25. Various of young men training

With the 2015 Copa America just around the corner, Brazil national team director Gilmar Rinaldi gave a news conference in Teresopolis on Monday (1st June).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Amid the worst crisis in its history, the Brazilian FA (Football Association) (CBF) on Monday welcomed journalists to follow the national team's pre-Copa America training camp at Teresopolis, 120 kilometres outside Rio de Janeiro.

Gilmar Rinaldi talked with media about Brazil's preparations for the competition.

But the team director also had to address the recent investigations into FIFA that are having a ripple effect across soccer-crazy South America.

Former Brazil FA President Jose Maria Marin Marin is one of 14 senior sports officials and marketing executives charged after an investigation by the United States' Department of Justice.

The 83 year-old was arrested in Zurich.

Current president Marco Polo Del Nero, who was one of Marin's vice presidents, said he was "sad" to see his "friend" arrested but denied knowing anything about the accusations involving his former colleague.

Del Nero also denied any wrongdoing in his administration, which began in April, and dismissed any possibility of resigning during this "difficult moment".

Rinaldi revealed that his team do not feel "obligated" to win upcoming tournament in Chile.

He said that the main focus for the "Selecao" is the gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics and the next World Cup in Russia.

Rinaldi wanted to make clear that his staff have full independence to choose which players should be in the national team.

The 56 year-old also made comments about Neymar's play that infuriated Athletic Bilbao players at the weekend when Barcelona were already winning the Copa del Rey (King's Cup, Spanish).

Brazil will start their Copa America campaign on 14th June against Peru in Temuco.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Last month, the CBF responded to a report in the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper that gave details of a contract with a Cayman Islands-based marketing company.

The contract stipulated a 50 per cent financial penalty unless top players like Barcelona striker Neymar are on the field - or others of the same "marketing value".

Luque, Paraguay - FILE - 4th March 2015

1. 00:00 Wide of FIFA President Sepp Blatter, former FIFA Vice President Eugenio Figueredo and CONMEBOL President Juan Angel Napout at CONMEBOL Congress

2. 00:05 Mid of Figueredo, Blatter and Napout at photo opportunity

Teresopolis, Brazil - 1st June 2015

3. 00:09 Zoom out from Brazil FA logo to Team Director Gilmar Rinaldi at news conference

4. 00:19 SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Gilmar Rinaldi, Brazil National Team Director:

(On Brazil FA crisis with the arrest of former president Jose Maria Marin).

"We are very calm because they are giving us calmness. We had a meeting with Marco Polo Del Nero (Brazil FA President) and the board of directors and football is completely separated from this issue. We are looking to do our best with all the conditions given. About the other issues, it's not up to me to judge. To nobody. The competent bodies - Brazilian Federal Police, the FBI - and others - will take care of this. What we have to do is focus very hard on our job and do our best, which is our obligation."

Luque, Paraguay - FILE - 4th March 2015

5. 00:54 Mid of CONMEBOL President Juan Angel Napout being greeted by Brazil FA President Marco Polo Del Nero

Teresopolis, Brazil - 1st June 2015

6. 00:59 SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Gilmar Rinaldi, Brazil National Team Director:

(On independence to choose players for the national squad).

"Here at CBF, we have 100 per cent independence to do our job, to choose the players that we want for the national squad. Never has anyone suggested any name (to select). I was curious and called (former Brazil Head Coach Luiz Felipe) Scolari last week and asked if this happened with him. He made himself very clear that it never happened with him. I know that Mano (Menezes, former Brazil Head Coach) said the same at an interview. I wanted to make this very clear. Also, because who knows Dunga like you do - a little bit grumpy, with his own way to be - can you imagine someone suggesting or vetoing any name?"

Luque, Paraguay - FILE - 4th March 2015

7. 01:37 Wide of FIFA officials, including former CBF President Jose Maria Marin (second row, third from left to right)

Teresopolis, Brazil - 1st June 2015

8. 01:42 SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Gilmar Rinaldi, Brazil National Team Director:

(On Brazil FA administration. Backing up comments made by former team director Carlos Alberto Parreira).

"I think that the CBF is one of the things that works in Brazil. And there are several other things that work here. I lived in Japan for three years and I was very bothered when a Brazilian there said, 'Oh, our country has this, that...' only problems. We have several things that work here."

9. 02:00 Wide of news conference

10. 02:05 SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Gilmar Rinaldi, Brazil National Team Director:

(On expectation to win the Copa America).

"I don't think we have an obligation to win the trophy but we have an obligation to work hard to win the trophy. A player for the Brazilian national team must know that he comes with a kit. Pressure is included. If someone is in the national team, it is because he's prepared to deal with pressure and change it into a positive energy if necessary. What we are looking to tell the group of players is that pressure will come but we must know how to control it."

11. 02:38 Mid of journalists

12. 02:43 SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Gilmar Rinaldi, Brazil National Team Director:

(On Neymar's play against Athletic Bilbao).

"About Neymar and his play (against Athletic Bilbao), we all know what he did, what he can do and what he can create. It's his natural talent. We will chat. Anytime he does anything to benefit the national team, it won't be a problem. His skills, like the ones from (Lionel) Messi, (Diego) Maradona on his day, Pele, can't be explained. They do fantastic things."

13. 03:18 Wide of Rinaldi leaving news conference

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:27

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SHOTLIST: Moscow, Russia. 3 February 2016.

1. 00:00 Former France international Christian Karembeu on stage holding the Confederations Cup

2. 00:06 Journalists

3. 00:11 Confederations Cup

4. 00:16 Countdown ceremony 500 days to the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017

5. 00:21 Screen showing players with cup and the emblem of the Confederations Cup 2017

6. 00:28 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vitaly Mutko, Russian Sport Minister:

"We invite all fans, not only from Russia but also from the whole world to this tournament. Of course we want the Confederations Cup to take place on a (high) level so that the guests of this tournament would like to come to the World Cup. We hope that the Russian national team performs successfully at this tournament because the potential of our national team is unexplored."

7. 00:51 Football

8. 00:55 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Alexei Sorokin, CEO of the Russia 2018 World Cup organising committee:

"It's important that the entry to Russia will be simplified. The visa-free entry will be guaranteed, as Russia stated in the proposal. As to transportation, we will provide shuttles between airports of all cities and the main objects of the Confederations Cup - stadiums and city centres."

9. 01:19 Journalists

10. 01:24 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Alexei Sorokin, CEO of the Russia 2018 World Cup organising committee:

"Traditionally, the ticket sale starts after the draft. We expect the (ticket) sale to start in the beginning of December. Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything about the prices - it's the responsibility of the tournament organisers, the responsibility of FIFA."

11. 01:40 Officials on stage

12. 01:45 Screen showing stadia in Moscow, Kazan and Sochi and the emblem of the Confederations Cup 2017

13. 02:05 Journalists

14. 02:10 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vitaly Mutko, Russian Sport Minister:

"There are no reasons for reconsidering the right to hold the World Cup in Russia and Qatar. If they existed, they would have been presented long ago. I think that these conversations are inappropriate two and a half years before (the World Cup starts). We have already passed the point of no return. The schedule is finalised, the structure is set up."

15. 02:30 Journalists

16. 02:35 Christian Karembeu in front of journalists

17. 02:41 SOUNDBITE (English) Christian Karembeu, former France international:

"When we talk about football we can talk about integration, we can talk about sport without discrimination, we can talk about dialogues. And like I said in French that Russia have many ethnics in this country and I think that Russia will give us a great example when we going to come to see the tournament."

18. 03:15 Teenagers posing for photo with Karembeu in front of journalists

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 3:21

STORYLINE:

The countdown to the FIFA Confederations Cup began in Moscow on Wednesday (3 February) with 500 days to go until the tournament commences.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

The countdown ceremony marking 500 days to the Confederations Cup 2017 took place in central Moscow on Wednesday.

The tournament emblem was unveiled at the event which was attended by Russian Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko, CEO of the Russia 2018 World Cup LOC Alexei Sorokin and former France international Christian Karembeu plus other officials.

The competition consists of the winners from each FIFA confederation tournament.

As World Cup hosts Russia qualify automatically with Germany, Australia, Chile and Mexico joining them.

The winners of Euro 2016, the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2016 OFC Nations Cup will also compete.

But for the first time in the tournament's history, Brazil don't have a place.

The reigning champions and three-time winners were knocked out on penalties by Paraguay in the quarter-finals of the 2015 Copa America and were humiliated in the semi-finals of the World Cup when they were beaten 7-1 by eventual winners Germany.

Since 2005, the competition has served as a warm-up to the World Cup in the following year.

Four cities will host the 2017 edition: Kazan, Sochi, St Petersburg and Moscow.

Posters and promotional screens for the 2018 FIFA World Cup could be seen on Tuesday around Moscow, as Russia is preparing to host the competition.

Despite the bright colours and cheery mascots, some local residents were unsure about what to expect from the upcoming championship.

Luba, a Moscow resident, says she is excited for the "excellent stadiums" and "new sights" that are being built to host the event.

"We all love football, but unfortunately we do not win as much as we used to" she added.

But Nataliya and Gennady, who were visiting the capital from Samara, said this event "will only be positive for those (FIFA) officials, but certainly not for the Russian people."

Moscow, Russia – 28 November 2017

1. Various of 2018 FIFA World Cup screen in central Moscow

2. Various of 2018 FIFA World Cup wall mural

3. Various of people walking through streets and on Manezhnaya square

4. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Nataliya and Gennady, Russian tourists from Samara:

"Well, I hope that our team will perform well, and that they don't screw it up."

5. Cutaway to Manezhnaya square

6. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Nataliya and Gennady, Russian tourists from Samara:

Gennady: "Honestly, I don't think (the World Cup) will (bring anything positive)."

Nataliya: "It'll only be positive for those officials, but certainly not for the Russian people. They spend so many millions but not on Russia, on themselves. They just want to have a championship in Russia (for the sake of it) – they want to show off."

Gennady: "I don't see anything positive."

7. Cutaway to Manezhnaya square

8. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir and Anna, IT specialists from Moscow:

Vladimir: "In some parts of the country, infrastructure will be built for the event."

Anna: "Roads will be built."

Vladimir: "It will be more pleasant to stay in some towns… but perhaps not right away!"

9. Cutaway of square

10. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Luba Fyedanova, Moscow resident:

"Well the benefits (of the World Cup) are that excellent stadiums will be built. I think that in the places where the matches take place there will be lots of new sights… there will be wonderful advantages! The people will feel good about it - our people are very welcoming."

11. Various of 2018 FIFA World Cup poster

12. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Luba Fyedanova, Moscow resident:

"Yes of course (it's a good thing). It'll bring lots of advantages. There will be more young people! We all love football, but unfortunately we do not win as much as we used to."

13. Various of 2018 FIFA World Cup countdown clock in central Moscow

14. Kremlin star

Residents of Moscow were excited for the 2018 FIFA World Cup draw taking place in the Russian capital later on Friday evening.

Valeria Lavrenko, a resident of Rostov visiting Moscow, said she's looking forward to the World Cup "because they have built a stadium in our city."

She said she would support Russia but would also like to see Spain in the final match.

Meanwhile, Ivan Novikov is anxious that Russia doesn't go up against too strong a team.

"We remember the world cup in Brazil we didn't have a strong opponent team but even for our team it was a disaster," he said.

Officials from the 32 World Cup teams have gathered in Moscow to find out who will play who at next year's tournament in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to appear at the draw ceremony, which will take place at the State Kremlin Palace.

Moscow - 1 December, 2017

1. Various of visitors posing in front of world cup countdown clock with Brazilian flag

2. Various of Christmas decorations on Red Square

3. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Gelany (last name not given), Moscow resident:

"I'm waiting for the celebration and for the good performance of our team. I really want everyone to celebrate together with us. We don't need sanctions and we don't need anyone. A celebration is a celebration. So please, welcome to Moscow."

4. Red square

5. Various of 2018 FIFA World Cup mascots in central Moscow

6. Various of visitors taking photos

7. Wide of World Cup decorations

8. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Valeria Lavrenko, tourist from Rostov:

"I'm from Rostov and I'm really looking forward to the World Cup because they have built a stadium in our city. Actually it's a huge event and I will support Russia but I would also like to see Spain in the final match."

Moscow - 30 November, 2017

9. Various of shop selling Adidas sponsored World Cup merchandise

10. Customers

11. Close of 2018 FIFA World Cup football

12. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Ivan Novikov, Moscow resident:

"In order to be successful, we don't want a strong team in our group, we remember the World Cup in Brazil, we didn't have a strong opponent team but even for our team it was a disaster. It is interesting for fans if our team plays England, or Brazil, but for success we don't need a strong opponent team. But I hope we play well."

13. Interior of shop

Moscow - 1 December, 2017

14. Wide of clock

15. Traffic on road

16. Building in Kremlin where the draw will take place

STORYLINE:

Excitement among Russian schoolchildren is building as the countdown continues towards the 2018 World Cup finals (14th May).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

With just one month to go before the 2018 World Cup kicks off, Russian cities hosting tournament matches have started opening football clinics for schoolchildren.

Volunteers in Yekaterinburg organised a "Welcome 2018 World Cup!" class for more than a hundred children of different ages in the city on Monday.

Along with practical lessons in the skills of football, the students can learn about the history of the game as well as the World Cup tournament itself and the details of Russia's preparation for the world's biggest football event.

2018 FIFA World Cup ambassador Sergei Karyakin, winner of the 2017 Dakar Rally, was present at Monday's session in Yekaterinburg.

Karyakin was keen to stress the importance of sport for children.

"I think sport is a base from where one can find knowledge, one can find aspiration and strength," he said. "That's a backbone which can help later on, that's their way into the future."

His view was echoed by Sergei Tushin, the Deputy Head of Yekaterinburg's city administration.

"Children, pupils. it is all for them, they are the main consumers, main beneficiaries, main users of what will remain after the World Cup," he said. "We want them to have knowledge of football, sports and a healthy lifestyle. Be true sports fan citizens."

The city's 35,000 capacity Yekaterinburg Arena, the most easterly of all the venues for the 2018 World Cup and and the only one that stands in 'Asian Russia', will host four group matches during the tournament.

The first match kicks off at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on June 14th and features the host nation taking on Saudi Arabia.

The final takes place at the same venue on July 15th.

_Yekaterinburg, Russia - 14th May, 20181. 00_00 Wide shot of children warming up before football training2. 00_05 Close up of children warming up3. 00_12 Children practicing their ball skills 4. 00_18 Various of children taking penalty kicks5. 00_26 SOUNDBITE (Russian)_ Sergei Karyakin, winner of the Dakar 2017 rally and 2018 FIFA World Cup ambassador__It's (the football lesson) for children, for them to understand how important sport is, for them to understand the culture of sport, that it is truly a culture and it is very important. Because I know some kids think it's not necessary to attend physical education lessons. I think sport is a base from where one can find knowledge, one can find aspiration and strength. That's a backbone which can help later on, that's their way into the future._6. 00_49 Various of children in football training7. 01_09 SOUNDBITE (Russian)_ Roman Asulbayev, schoolboy aged 7_ _I love football so much, I'm willing to practice from morning to night._ (Q_ _Why do you love football so much

Ahead of the World Cup, Russian authorities are cracking down on the hooligan culture in football.

Groups which wreaked havoc two years ago report surveillance and threats from law enforcement.

Leading hooligans from each club face lengthy prison sentences on old or trumped-up charges if there's trouble at the World Cup, even if they aren't personally involved, a Moscow veteran hooligan told The Associated Press.

He likened their situation to that of "hostages" and said the hooligan scene in Russia "is finished."

"I definitely won't go to any Russian national team games because, if, God forbid, someone does something, I will be the first to be suspected of doing it," he said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity to describe numerous illegal acts, he said he had flown to Marseille in 2016 specifically to take part in fights with the English fans on the streets and in the stadium at the European Championship.

England's hooligans of the 1980s and 1990s inspired many Russian groups - most still bear English names - but in Marseille the Russians wanted to snuff out that reputation.

"It was a game for boys where you must prove who's stronger. There's never any bad intentions," he said.

Alexander Shprygin ran a fan group which worked with the government on World Cup planning, and had been photographed with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he has rapidly fallen from grace.

Shprygin was twice deported from France during the 2016 tournament and two of his organisation's board members were imprisoned in Marseille over the disorder.

He denies any role.

Three months later, Russian police arrested him in a toilet at a conference held by the national football federation, seeking to question him over an earlier brawl in Russia, and dragged him out past waiting media.

His organisation has been dormant since then.

Shprygin told the AP his friends in the hardcore fan scene have been summoned by Russia's Federal Security Service, the heir to the Soviet-era KGB, for "preventative conversations" and many want to go abroad during the World Cup.

World Cup tickets are worthless without a Russian government-issue "Fan ID".

Applicants are vetted by the Russian security services, who have denied several thousand Russian fans ID to see games at the World Cup and last year's Confederations Cup, according to Oleg Semyonov, formerly a leader of the Spartak Moscow fan scene, who now runs a legal advice hotline for supporters.

Semyonov says authorities are using "a big database" which has barred people accused of taking part in football-related disorder _ including Shprygin, whose ID was cancelled two hours before a Confederations Cup game _ but also some with convictions dating back 20 years for minor offences like jaywalking or public drunkenness.

Most top Russian clubs now have so-called "curators" from the security services "who work with the fan organisations" and have warned them off disorder, Semyonov added.

Amid the crackdown, the Russian fan scene is increasingly split.

So-called "ultras" focus on coordinated chants, lighting flares and staging elaborate displays at games, but can defend themselves if needed.

The hardcore fighters mostly stick to pre-arranged brawls in forests because of tight stadium surveillance.

Some fighters are drifting away from football and turning to organised mixed martial arts events which offer a chance to make money from their hobby.

The Moscow hooligan also lamented the end of hooliganism's golden era, when battles between rival clubs in Moscow came down to tactics as much as strength.

Hooliganism offers a brotherhood, even for those like the Moscow hooligan, who has a university education and a traditionally middle-class job.

A world dominated by football's brawlers would have a simple, honourable way to solve disputes, he argued.

"It always goes by the rule of the fist. If you're stronger, you're right," he said. "If there were more people like that, maybe people wouldn't be building missiles."

Moscow, Russia - 16 May 2018

1. Various of clock with countdown to World Cup near Red Square in central Moscow

FILE: Tula, Russia - 1 December 2017

2. Various of Spartak FC (Moscow) fans cheering and lighting flares at a match

Moscow, Russia - 19 May 2018

3. Wide of craft beer festival venue, poster reading (English) "Big Craft Day Moscow"

4. Football fan, who requested not to be identified, walking at beer festival venue

5. SOUNDBITE (Russian) name withheld (spoke on condition of anonymity), veteran football hooligan:

"The World Cup is bad. Because of it we have big problems, a lot of people under investigation — a lot of problems. So it's not very good for us, it's not a festival of football. So me personally, I definitely won't go to any Russian national team games because, if, God forbid, someone does something, I will be the first to be suspected of doing it."

FILE: Marseille, France - 11 June 2016

6. Various of Russian and English fans clashing at Euro 2016 in France

Moscow, Russia - 19 May 2018

7. SOUNDBITE (Russian) name withheld (spoke on condition of anonymity), veteran football hooligan:

"Russia reached its peak at that moment. From 2000 to 2010 we had a good growth, a lot of people were involved in it. And when everybody found out that we're playing with the English it was just… I have only been to one match, I came there only for that (to fight) and left the next day. It was important. It was a game for boys where you must prove who's stronger. There's never any bad intentions."

Moscow, Russia - 22 May 2018

8. Various of Rostokino district in Moscow where hooligan groups' forest fights have been known to happen

9. Establishing shot of Vladimir Kozlov, filmmaker and author of books on Russian football fans

10. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Kozlov, filmmaker and writer:

"I'd say that today in Russia there are several thousand football hooligans, dispersed all over the country in the movements of various teams."

11. Cutaway of Kozlov

12. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Kozlov, filmmaker and writer:

"There's been no growth for a while now. The number (of hooligans) has been stable. There was growth when it was very fashionable at the end of the 90s to the beginning of the 2000s."

Moscow, Russia - 5 May 2018

13. Various of football fans and security measures before a football match, police on horseback

Moscow, Russia - 21 May 2018

14. Alexander Shprygin, Dinamo FC (Moscow) fan sitting at table

15. Dinamo FC emblem on flag

16. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Alexander Shprygin, Dinamo FC fan:

"First of all, the FSB (Federal Security Services, former KGB) has started working on the football fans actively which has never happened before. Secondly they've switched on all of the legal mechanisms and if before when you violated a rule at a stadium you could leave the stadium and forget about it, now even the slightest violation isn't left unnoticed."

17. Cutaway of Shprygin

18. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Alexander Shprygin, Dinamo FC fan:

"It's the main event of my life I've been dreaming of all my life and waited for. And of course every football fan dreams of being at Luzhniki stadium to see the opening match with the Russian national team. And I not only won't be able to attend the opening match, I won't be able to attend any match of the World Cup at all. Of course it's annoying."

19. Various of legal advice call centre for football fans

20. Various of Oleg Semyonov, head of the legal advice centre

21. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Oleg Semyonov, head of legal advice hotline for football fans:

"I rather expect some incidents between the Serbian and the Croatians, between Poland and Germany and even between Saudi Arabia and Iran because one side are Shia and others are Sunni and under certain circumstances there might be misunderstandings between them. As for us, all of these football fans are our guests."

Moscow, Russia - 16 May 2018

22. Various of FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 sign on a building

Hundred of volunteers at the upcoming FIFA World Cup gathered at an ice rink in Moscow on Tuesday to mark 100 days until the tournament kicks off.

Ambassadors from FIFA addressed the excited crowd and joined the official mascot 'Zabivaka' in pressing a giant button to symbolise the beginning of the 100-day countdown.

Moscow - 6 March 2018

1. Various of Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, where the operning match will be held

2. Various of FIFA World Cup mascot 'Zabivaka'

3. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Roman Ronovsky, World Cup volunteer:

"It is very close. The football fiesta will soon be here. We will be volunteers, we will help people arrive, navigate there way around and to participate and that's cool."

4. Various of event marking 100 days until the FIFA World Cup

5. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Olga Alyoshina, World Cup volunteer:

"It will be an unusual, event in our city there will be many new people with whom we will make friends. Also, I think our city will be decorated and it will be very beautiful, and a lot of fun. And I expect our country will win."

6. Various of the event

Ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup draw on Friday (1st December), SNTV showcase every 2018 World Cup stadium set to play host to football's elite international football tournament next year and detail key countdown moments as host nation Russia prepare to welcome the footballing world.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

The draw for the 2018 World Cup finals takes place in Moscow on Friday, with the 31 nations who had to fight through qualifying - and hosts Russia - set to find out who, when and where they will play.

The finishing touches are still being added on stadiums in the 11 Russian cities that will host the 2018 World Cup.

Arenas in Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, Saransk, Ekaterinburg, Kaliningrad and Nizhny Novgorod will host matches in the tournament which will take place in June and July of next year.

The construction works were nearly finished on most stadiums, with the exception of the Samara Arena where developments are behind schedule, and in Saransk where there are questions over whether the pitch will be ready.

Russia were named as hosts of the 21st edition of the World Cup in December 2010, defeating a bid from England and joint bids from Spain-Portugal and the Netherlands-Belgium.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Russian cities and stadiums which will play host to the World Cup 2018 matches.

Ekaterinburg (Ekaterinburg Arena):

The most easterly city hosting matches, situated at the foot of the Ural mountains, and the city where members of the royal family were executed following the October 1917 revolution. The stadium is home to FC Ural, and was initially built in 1953.

Capacity: 35,696*

Matches: Four group games.

Kaliningrad (Kaliningrad Stadium):

The most westerly city to host games. Situated on the Baltic coast, it remains an important Russian seaport. The stadium has been built for the finals, but will be home to FC Baltika Kaliningrad afterwards.

Capacity: 35,212*

Matches: Four group games.

Kazan (Kazan Arena):

Kazan is the capital of the republic of Tatarstan and is home to 1.2 million people. The stadium was built for the World University Games in 2013 and is home to local club Rubin Kazan. It was designed by the same firm of architects behind Wembley Stadium and the Emirates Stadium.

Capacity: 44,779*

Matches: Four group games, one last-16 game, one quarter-final.

Moscow (Luzhniki Stadium)

The main venue for the finals will host the first and last match. Built in the 1950s, it was used during the 1980 Olympic Games and hosts most matches played by the Russian national team and at various times has been home to city clubs Spartak, CSKA and Torpedo. Manchester United fans will remember it fondly - it was here, in driving rain, that the club won their third European title by beating Chelsea on penalties in 2008.

Capacity: 81,006*

Matches: Four group games (including opening match), one last-16 game, one semi-final, final.

Moscow (Spartak Stadium):

Home, as the name suggests, to Spartak Moscow, who despite their reputation and huge fanbase had never truly had a stadium to call their own until it was built. Opened in 2014.

Capacity: 43,298*

Matches: Four group games, one last-16 game.

Nizhny Novgorod (Nizhny Novgorod Stadium):

Built on hills overlooking the Volga river, Nizhny Novgorod has been an important commercial city since the 19th century. One of the new constructions, it will be home to Olympiets Nizhny Novgorod once the finals are over.

Capacity: 45,331*

Matches: Four group games, one last-16 game, one quarter-final.

Rostov-on-Don (Rostov Arena):

An historic city famed for its showcasing of Cossack culture, it sits on the banks of the Don river one thousand kilometres to the south-east of Moscow. FC Rostov will move in once the tournament is finished.

Capacity: 45,145*

Matches: Four group games, one last-16 game.

St Petersburg (St Petersburg Stadium):

The old imperial capital can probably lay claim to having the secondary venue at the tournament, as the stadium hosts some big games including what could be a make-or-break second match for the hosts. It will also host three group matches at the pan-European Euro 2020 finals, as well as one quarter-final, and be the future home to Zenit St Petersburg.

Capacity: 68,134*

Matches: Four group games (including Russia's second match), one last-16 game, one semi-final, third-place play-off.

Samara (Samara Arena):

Capital of the Samara region and home to the offices of Russian state when they were evacuated from Moscow during the Second World War. The dome-shaped stadium will play host to Krylya Sovetov after the tournament.

Capacity: 44,807*

Matches: Four group games (including Russia's third and final group match), one last-16 game, one quarter-final.

Saransk (Mordovia Arena):

The capital of the Mordovia region has a population of just over 300,000. The stadium will be reduced to 25,000 capacity after the tournament, with the space being freed up for other indoor sports on the same complex. It will, though, be home to FC Mordovia.

Capacity: 44,442*

Matches: Four group games.

Sochi (Fisht Stadium):

The resort city on the edge of the Black Sea hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics, and the Fisht Stadium was purpose-built for those Games. It is due to be a training - and match - venue for the Russian national team after the 2018 finals.

Capacity: 47,700*

Matches: Four group games, one last-16 game, one quarter-final.

Volgograd (Volgograd Arena):

The city formerly known as Stalingrad, site of one of World War Two's most pivotal battles, is now an industrial hub home to one million inhabitants. The stadium is built on the site of the old Central ground and will house Rotor Volgograd once the finals are over.

Capacity: 45,568*

Matches: Four group games.

*Stadium capacities are listed on fifa.com website as anticipated gross capacities of stadiums in their finished state. Stadium official capacities during the finals will be lower than those stated.

Various. FILE. Russia.

Moscow, Russia – 18th September, 2015:

1. 00:00 Various of FIFA World Cup trophy in Red Square, Moscow.

2. 00:18 1000 day countdown to World Cup begins, countdown clock unveiled.

Moscow, Russia – 1st June, 2016.

3. 00:28 Russian President Vladimir Putin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino launch volunteer programme for World Cup.

4. 00:32 SOUNDBITE: (English) Gianni Infantino, FIFA President:

"I can promise to the world that thanks to you, the volunteers and the people of Russia, they will witness the best World Cup ever in Russia 2018."

5. 00:49 Crowd cheers launched volunteer programme.

Kazan, Russia – 26th November, 2016.

6. 00:53 Infantino attends launch of countdown clock at World Cup venue – Kazan Arena. Fireworks create cloud of smoke and force him to leave stage.

Yekaterinburg, Russia – 30th January, 2017.

7. 01:05 Various of football fans standing to form number 500 to mark 500 days until World Cup start.

Sochi, Russia – 2nd May, 2017.

9. 01:12 Russian Deputy Premier Minister visits Fan ID centre to showcase how Fan ID will work for the World Cup.

10. 01:22 Various of ticket collection centre.

Sochi, Russia – 19th June, 2017.

11. 01:33 Fans queue for tickets booths before Australia versus Germany in Confederations Cup.

12. 01:54 Various of security equipment and personnel.

13. 02:09 2018 World Cup mascot 'Zabivaka' the wolf – name means 'one who scores' in Russian.

Various, Russia – June 2017.

14. 02:20 Various fans from Chile, Mexico and Russia chanting songs.

Saint Petersburg Stadium – 2nd July, 2017.

15. 02:41 Germany players – spraying champagne – surprise their coach Joachim Loew at post-match news conference. Germany had earlier won the Confederations Cup final with a 1-0 win over Chile.

Rostov-on-Don - 21st August, 2017

16. 02:52 Various of Platov International Airport under construction.

17. 03:14 Various of Rostov Arena. Will host four group matches and one Round of 16 match.

Kaliningrad, Russia – 27th August, 2017.

18. 03:27 Various of Kaliningrad Stadium. Will host four group matches.

Saransk, Russia – 25th August, 2017.

19. 03:42 Various of Mordovia Arena. Will host four group matches.

Ekaterinburg, Russia – 19th August, 2017.

20. 03:58 Various of Ekaterinburg Arena. Will host four group matches.

Volgograd, Russia – 22nd August, 2017.

21. 04:15 Various of Volgograd Arena. Will host four group matches.

Nizhny Novgorod – 26th August, 2017.

22. 04:32 Various of Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Will host four group matches, one Round of 16 match and one quarter-final.

Samara, Russia – 28th September, 2017.

23. 04:49 Samara Stadium. Will host four group matches, one Round of 16 match and one quarter-final.

Kazan, Russia – 26th November, 2016.

24. 05:11 Various of Kazan Arena. Will host four group matches, one Round of 16 match and one quarter-final.

Moscow, Russia – 2nd March, 2017.

25. 05:37 Various of Spartak Stadium. Will host four group matches and one Round of 16 match.

Sochi, Russia - 1st May, 2017.

26. 05:53 Various of Fisht Stadium. Will host four group matches, one Round of 16 match and one quarter-final.

Saint Petersburg, Russia - 1st May, 2017.

27. 06:11 Various of Saint Petersburg Stadium. Will host four group matches, one Round of 16 match, one semi-final and third-place match.

Moscow, Russia - 5th October, 2017.

28. 06:37 Various of Luzhniki Stadium. Will host four group matches, one Round of 16 match, one semi-final and the final.

SOURCE: SNTV.

DURATION: 07:10.

Final World Cup preparations were underway on Wednesday in the Russian cities of Moscow, Sochi, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg.

Fans were arriving in the cities, with large groups in particularly high spirits in the capital Moscow.  

With hundreds of thousands of fans expected to travel to the World Cup, Russian President Vladimir Putin said visitors should "feel the hospitality and welcoming nature" of Russia.

Moscow is home to the 81,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium, the largest stadium in Russia and one of the biggest in Europe.

It's also a venue well versed in staging major matches - including the 2008 UEFA Champions League final when Manchester United beat Chelsea on penalties.

In Sochi, the 48,000-seater venue that was used in the Winter Olympics has re-opened as an open-air football stadium and was already used in the 2017 Confederations Cup.

The stadium will be back in service to host four World Cup group games: Portugal v Spain, Belgium v Panama, Germany v Sweden and Australia v Peru.

Russians in Saint Petersburg - where the 60,000-seater stadium will host four first round group matches, a quarter-final, a semi-final, and the match for third place – are welcoming the improvements made to the city as they await fans.

So too do Yekaterinburg residents, who are happy about the positive changes the World Cup has brought - the improved pavements, clean streets and new road junctions have changed the city and made it more comfortable.

Moscow - 13 June 2018

1. Various of Colombian football fans fans chanting and dancing in downtown area

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Leonardo Ramires, Colombia supporter:

"It's a beautiful country, everyone has been great to us, and much respect to everyone here, we came to destroy the world cup and to make it number one back in Colombia, hopefully one day."

3. Wide pan of Manezhnaya  Square with crowds of fans and tourists

4. Various of fans gathering and chanting, many with flags

5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Jose Forero, Colombia supporter:

"Here we're sharing the common the spirit of the goal, that's what unites people. Football is unity of people, fans."

6. Group playing football in square

7. Tunisia fans chanting with flag

8. Fountain

9. Family taking selfie with the mascot of the 2018 World Cup

10. Various of 2018 World Cup installation at Manezhnaya Square

11. Various of "Russia 2018" sign, fans, countdown clock

12. Soldiers marching past

Sochi – 13 June 2018

13. Various of area near Fisht Stadium

14. Various of city volunteers

15. Various of worker on raised platform putting up banner

16. Various of women working at information kiosk, waving to camera and saying UPSOUND (English) "Welcome to Sochi"

17. Tourists, World Cup mascot statues

18. SOUNDBITE (English) vox pop, no names given:

First speaker: "Sochi's really beautiful. People is really, really nice and we're really, really happy here."

Second speaker: "Yes I think these crossroads of different cultures is going to be very good for the city, because you are going to be more popular in the world. So, it's good experience. For you and for everyone."

St. Petersburg – 13 June 2018

19. Wide of Kazan Cathedral

20. World Cup mascot, the wolf "Zabivaka"

21. Alley near Cathedral of the Saviour on the Blood

22. Cathedral in background, fan zone area in foreground

23. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Anna Repina, tourist from Yekaterinburg:

"We hope for the victory of our team (Russia). We understand that the chances are small. We hope that they will reach the semifinals, or the quarterfinals."

24. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Nikita Khudyakov, tourist from Samara:

"I see what's happening in the city, how it's updated. The city is very beautiful originally, but how renovated the streets and buildings now, it's amazing."

25. SOUNDBITE (English) Marcus Domínguez, tourist from Mexico:

"We have tickets for five games and St. Petersburg was our first destination. From here we go to Moscow and five other cities. So, this is a beautiful place, we're walking around here and getting to know the city centre. It's a beautiful day. What more can you ask for?"

26. Trinity Bridge

27. Wide of the Peter and Paul Fortress

28. Vasilyevsky Island

Yekaterinburg - 13 June 2018

29. Central Stadium (Yekaterinburg-Arena)

30. Statues being cleaned at the Stadium

31. "Russia 2018" sign

32. SOUNDBITE (English) Alfonso Ofreria, supporter from Uruguay:

"Well, today is just to walk around, you know, to know all of the neighbourhoods. And may be tonight or tomorrow go out to a pub. And you know that on Friday is the day of the match, so the idea is to be near the stadium and feel all the atmosphere around it. And just go to the match."

33.  SOUNDBITE (Russian) Ekaterina Yunyashina, Russian citizen:

"We really like the way the city has been changing. Because we're just walking and enjoying: everything is so clean. We have noticed that flowers have been sown- quite a lot of flowers there are now. And even though there's no summer, there are still green areas. And therefore, we do really like it."

34. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Derkhanov Ekhibek, Yekaterinburg citizen:

"I believe that it is fine (there being lots of police in the city). That's the way to check everybody, so to speak. It's not that they stop me too often for checking. I consider that it is required to check everyone. This is correct. These are the security measures."

35. Various of police working on the streets

Football fans in Russia have spoken of their hope for a peaceful 2018 FIFA World Cup - without hooliganism - as they looked ahead to the country hosting the tournament in 2018.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Clashes between Russian and English football fans in France at the Euro 2016 tournament made headlines for weeks - and for fans in Russia that simply want to enjoy next year's event, safety is a concern.

Sergei Ptitsev, a fan of Moscow-based club FC Spartak, said he hopes that the events won't impact the World Cup.

"I think it's great to express emotions and have an adrenalin outburst at the stadium, but without any racism or physical aggression towards other people," he said.

In the run-up to the tournament, the Russian government has drastically tightened security and introduced the Fan ID - a pass, that involves an obligatory background check for every person that has purchased the ticket for a World Cup game.

Some warn that if there are any potential problems with hooliganism, Russian police and security will not hold back.

"Here they'll be very strict, I'm sure. And the problem will be solved," said Petr Shadrin a sports journalist at Kommersant FM.

"The problem might be solved with radical methods."

Igor, a young man in his 20s has been a Spartak fan since he was a little boy, unlike his grandfather, Viktor, who himself roots for Dinamo in Muscovite derbies.

"We have never argued about that," said Igor.

"The wonderful game that is football unites us," nodded his grandfather, almost tearful.

Both men are equally excited about the World Cup.

"We can support different teams, says Viktor, but when it comes to the national team, all of us - Lokomotiv, Torpedo, Dinamo, Spartak supporters - we're all in one boat."

Moscow, Russia. Various.

1. 00:00 Various of Russia 2018 countdown clock near Red Square, people walking by.

2. 00:13 Various of World Cup-inspired graffiti on building.

Moscow, Russia - 27th November 2017.

3. 00:23 Various of Spartak fans having dinner and drinking before match.

4. 00:49 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Sergei Ptitsev, FC Spartak fan:

"We usually come here before the home matches of Spartak Moscow. It's Georgian and it's very tasty."

5. 00:58 Close-up of Spartak emblem on hoodie.

6. 00:58 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Sergei Ptitsev, FC Spartak fan:

"I think it's great to express emotions and have an adrenalin outburst at the stadium, but without any racism or physical aggression towards other people. But other than that, it's absolutely normal to support your team, express emotions."

7. 01:03 Spartak fan leaving restaurant.

8. 01:25 Spartak fans posing for camera in street ++NIGHT SHOT++.

Moscow, Russia - 21st November 2017.

++NIGHT SHOTS++

9. 01:36 Various of Otkrytie Arena stadium and police.

Ekaterinburg, Russia - 19th August, 2017.

10. 01:59 Various of FC CSKA Moscow ultras (waving blue and red flags) in stand during match.

11. 02:09 Various of FC Ural Yekaterinburg ultras (wearing orange shirts) in stand.

Ekaterinburg, Russia - 22nd November, 2017.

12. 02:25 Establishing shot of sports analyst Petr Shadrin.

13. 02:31 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Petr Shadrin, sports journalist at Kommersant FM:

"There are problems with hooliganism everywhere. We remember Euro 2016 (UEFA European Championship), we remember Marseille and the clashes between the Russian and the British fans. But here they'll be very strict, I'm sure. And the problem will be solved. On the other hand, the problem might be solved with radical methods."

Moscow, Russia - 21st November, 2017.

++NIGHT SHOTS++

14. 02:54 Various exteriors of Otkrytie Arena stadium and fans.

15. 03:09 Fan Igor Malinin and his friend talking before match.

16. 03:13 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Igor Malinin, FC Spartak fan:

"I hope that the Russian national team will be in the group with the most difficult teams because I think that our team has to level up. And even though we play at home, the result is not important. I think, that we should play with the strong and be either beaten up or put up a decent game. One of the two."

17. 03:31 Malinin and other fans walking outside.

Moscow, Russia - 23rd November 2017.

18. 03:38 Various of Malinin and his grandfather Viktor watching football match at home.

19. 04:11 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Viktor Kurdyumov, FC Dinamo fan:

"We can support different teams, but when it comes to the national team, all of us - Lomotiv, Torpedo, Dinamo, Spartak supporters - are in one boat. And we root for our country. And we're looking forward to the World Cup."

Moscow, Russia - 24th November 2017.

20. 04:39 Various of young men training at Spartak football academy.

21. 05:06 Various of Vyacheslav Vashkevich, trainer at Spartak football academy.

22. 05:16 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vyacheslav Vashkevich, trainer at Spartak football academy:

"The World Cup opens new possibilities. And I think that our main goal is to come to the stadium and to see with our own eyes the strongest football players in action."

23. 05:25 Various of young men training.

24. 05:34 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Ruslan Litvinov, trainee at Spartak football academy:

"Every team has a chance to win. Russia has a good chance though, because we're playing at home and most of the supporters at the stadiums will be Russian. Of course, their support will play a role."

25. 05:46 Various of young men training.

SOURCE: SNTV.

DURATION: 05:54.

STORYLINE:

Timelapse footage as Moscow decorates the city and venues for the FIFA World Cup 2018 starting on Thursday (14th June).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

As the countdown to the 2018 World Cup continues, there is an air of anticipation in Moscow as crowds take in historic sites around the Kremlin, Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral.  

Monuments and city streets throughout the Russian capital are bedecked with flags in the national colours, and tourists and locals alike are gathering at World Cup sites to take pictures and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Moscow is hosting the World Cup along with 10 other Russian cities.

The football championship runs from 14th June 14 until 15th July, with Russia playing Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow in the tournament's opening match.

_Moscow, Russia. 12th June, 2018. ++TIMELAPSE FOOTAGE++1. 00_00 Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin2. 00_08 Spasskaya tower clock3. 00_12 People walking past Saint Basil's Cathedral4. 00_21 Russia 2018 World Cup sign at Manezhnaya square5. 00_ 27 People walking on Red Square6. 00_33 People taking photos of the Russia 2018 countdown at Manezhnaya Square7. 00_38 Museum in Revolution Square8. 00_45 People walking past gates leading to Red Square9. 00_52 People taking photos of Zabivaka, the official Russia 2018 mascot at Manezhnaya Square10. 00_57 Four seasons fountain at Manezhnaya Square 11. 01_03 Brides, grooms and guests taking wedding pictures with Zabivaka, Russia 2018's official mascot12. 01_09 _Moscow_ written in Russian on Poklonnaya Hill13. 01_14 The Russia White House seen from bridge bedecked with Russia 2018 flags14. 01_22 Moskva City business district and boats sailing down the Moskva river15. 01_30 Monument to World War One in Victory Park16. 01_36 Monument to World War One17. 01_41 Monument to World War One at Kutuzovsky Avenue and Russia 2018 flags in the background18. 01_46 Fountains in Victory Square19. 01_48 Church dome 20. 01_51 View of Moscow and couple having a wedding photo shoot in foreground21. 01_56 Tower of Ukraine Hotel with Russia 2018 flags in the foreground22. 02_01 People taking photos of Luzhniki stadium at Sparrow Hills viewpoint23. 02_05 Luzhniki stadium 24. 02_15 Cable cars leading from the Sparrow Hills to Luzhniki stadium25. 02_23 People passing in front of the World Cup art installation26. 02_32 Main entrance to FIFA Fan Fest Moscow with Moscow State University in the background SOURCE_ SNTV DURATION_ 02_40

STORYLINE:

Tuesday (6th March) saw the people of Moscow mark a 100 days until the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia at an event in the Russian capital.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

With a 100 days remaining until the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the city of Moscow marked the countdown to the start of the tournament on Tuesday.

A few hundred volunteers for the 2018 World Cup gathered in the VDNKh ice rink in Moscow to celebrate the start of the countdown.

Present at the event was the FIFA World Cup mascot 'Zabivaka', which means 'the one who scores' in Russian.

Several ambassadors of the 2018 World Cup took to the stage at the VDNKh ice rink and addressed the crowd, pressing the button to start the 100 days countdown.

"It will be something unusual", said Olga Alyoshina, a volunteer from Moscow, who expects Russia to win the tournament.

The 2018 World Cup in Russia will take place from the 14th of June to 15th of July.

_Moscow, Russia - 6th March 2018.1. 00_00 100 days sign at event marking 100 days until the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow2. 00_06 Various of FIFA World Cup mascot 'Zabivaka'3. 00_31 SOUNDBITE (Russian)_ Roman Rozkov, volunteer at event__It is very close. The football festival will be here soon. We're the volunteers, so we will be helping people settle down as they arrive for the tournament. We'll also be there to give people directions. Really excited._4. 00_41 Various of event5. 01_10 SOUNDBITE (Russian)_ Olga Alyshina, Muscovite_ _It will be something unusual, there will be many people visiting our city and so we'll be able to make new friends. Also, the city will be nicely decorated making it even more beautiful. It's going to be fun. I expect our country will win._6. 01_32 Various of the event7. 01_44 People press the countdown button8. 01_58 Various of the event9. 02_29 Various of Luzniki stadium SOURCE_ SNTV.DURATION_ 02_47

SNTV Features

The countdown to the UEFA Champions League final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on 21 May gathered further impetus when the trophy was handed over in a ceremony in the Russian capital on Thursday (3 April).

Yuri Luzhkov, the Mayor of Moscow, took responsibility for the European Cup which was presented to him by the President of UEFA, Michelle Platini.

The trophy will travel to five Russian football cities before returning to Moscow for the Champions Festival in Red Square ahead of the game.

SUGGESTED VOICEOVER:

The UEFA Champions League final will be staged at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, and as part of the build up to the event, the European Cup arrived in the Russian capital on Thursday.

In a ceremony at the GUM centre in Moscow's Red Square, the 2007 champions, AC Milan, handed the UEFA Champions League trophy back to UEFA President Michel Platini.

He then presented the trophy to the Mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov, for the city to keep and display to the public until the final on 21 May.

Milan were represented by former player and current technical operations director Leonardo, who helped Brazil win the 1994 World Cup, together with director Umberto Gandini.

Also in attendance were Rinat Dasaev, the former USSR goalkeeper who made his name with Spartak Moscow, and the president of the host association, the Football Union of Russia, Vitaly Mutko.

Since 1997, the previous season's champions have formally returned the UEFA Champions League trophy to UEFA at a special ceremony, with the cup then given to the host city to be showcased until the final.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)

"A fantastic and a very emotional game will take place at our great five stars stadium Luzhniki. There will be a fight for this wonderful prize."

SUPER CAPTION: Yuri Luzhkov, Mayor of Moscow

The trophy is due to visit five major Russian football cities: Kazan (19/20 April); Yekaterinburg (21/22 April); Krasnodar (28/29 April); St Petersburg (6/7 May); and Samara (10/11 May).

It will return to Moscow for the Champions Festival in Red Square ahead of the game.

A celebration party will also enhance the excitement on the eve of the final at the Luzhniki Stadium.

SOUNDBITE: (French)

"For us it's a big day today because we have an opportunity to launch the final in Moscow. It's a great stadium with great teams. We know about the hard work done by the Russian authorities and we know that small problems remain."

SUPER CAPTION: Michelle Platini, President of UEFA

The short tour of the trophy is expected to bring Russians closer to the competition, set the tone for the final, and to offer local fans the opportunity to get close to the iconic club football prize.

The trophy will be exhibited at venues chosen by the municipal authorities.

Admission will be free for the public, and visitors will have the chance to have their photo taken with the silverware.

SHOTLIST: Moscow, Russia. 3 April 2008.

1. 00:00 Exterior of building where the UEFA Champions League trophy (European Cup) ceremony takes place

2. 00:05 5. Wide of ceremony

3. 00:10 Leonardo (left) and Umberto Gandini from AC Milan taking the European Cup to the stage

4. 00:16 Audience and media

5. 00:21 Wide of ceremony

6. 00:26 SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Yuri Luzhkov, Mayor of Moscow

7. 00:53 Cutaway photographers

8. 00:58 Luzhkov receiving the trophy from the President of UEFA, Michelle Platini

9. 01:07 Wide of dancing show

10. 01:13 Girls in national costumes dancing

11. 01:24 Wide of news conference

12. 01:28 Cutaway media

13. 01:33 SOUNDBITE: (French) Michelle Platini, President of UEFA

14. 01:58 Wide of news conference

15. 02:02 Close-up of European Cup

A three-metre clock was set up at the city centre of Yekaterinburg on Monday (30th January) to begin the 500 days countdown to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Yekaterinburg celebrated the 500 days countdown to the 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup with the inauguration of a clock in the city centre.

Yekaterinburg will hold a total of four group stage games during football's most prestigious team tournament.

The clock not only shows the countdown, but also visitors can connect free WiFi to share their photos near the new landmark.

The celebration also included a flash mob where standing people formed a figure "500".

The clock is not the first one to be launched in Russia's host cities.

Moscow, Kazan and Sochi have already launched their countdown clocks.

Yekaterinburg, Russia. 30th January, 2017.

1. 00:00 Wide of the clock in the historical centre of Yekaterinburg.

2. 00:04 Close of the ball-button.

3. 00:07 Various of the clock launching.

5. 00:29 Various of the models posing for photos.

6. 00:37 SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Olga Gavrilenko, organiser:

"The clock isn't just a construction that shows time. Besides the countdown, it's also an internet hotspot where you can come, take a photo with the number of days which is left until the championship, share it on social networks, and record an audio forecast for the results of championship games."

7. 00:56 Various of fans with the clock.

8. 01:26 SOUNDBITE (Russian) Alexei Pudovkin, football fan:

+++AUDIO AS INCOMING+++:

"I am supporting good football, spectacular football. It will come to our city and I will be able to watch. I hope to be healthy to enjoy this because I am a football for for more than 35 years. My football team is Ural."

9. 01:40 Various of fans forming a figure "500".

10. Various of fans at Yekaterinburg.

SOURCE: SNTV.

DURATION:02:30

Representatives of the 32 World Cup finalists will gather at Moscow's Kremlin on Friday (1st December) for the 2018 World Cup draw.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Officials from the 32 World Cup teams have gathered in Moscow to find out who will play who at next year's tournament in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to appear at the draw ceremony, which will take place Friday at the State Kremlin Palace.

The draw will be presided over by former England striker Gary Lineker, who has previously called for FIFA to be disbanded over bribery scandals and questioned Russia's legitimacy to host the World Cup.

The 32 finalists will be split into eight groups of four teams.

Only Europe can have two teams in the same group.

Russia will play the opening game on June 14.

The final will be held on July 15.

Moscow, Russia - 1st December, 2017

1st December, 2017

1. 00:00 World Cup countdown clock

2. 00:14 Wide of Red Square

3. 00:20 Reporter in front of St. Basil's Cathedral

4. 00:25 Entrance to World Cup Draw event

29th November, 2017

5. 00:33 World Cup draw rehearsals

1st December, 2017

6. 01:09 VOX POP (English): Iosif Rovkah

"(Russia's) Best result during a World Cup were semi-finals in 1966. So we hope at least we repeat semi-finals. We hope so. About a favourite team from my point of view - we hope it could be either Germany or Portugal. It's my opinion."

7. 01:39 Crowds near St. Basil's

8. 01:46 VOX POP (Arabic): Mokles Boubeker

"Tunisia has a good team and good players. We've had so many changes lately and we will play a secondary role in the World Cup. We hope we will get a good draw tonight. In football sometimes you win and sometimes you lose."

9. 02:15 Tilt down of St. Basil's Cathedral to World Cup draw sign

10. 02:23 Close-up of sign

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 02:27