Euro 2016 was marred by incidents of violence and hooliganism, which amplified worry for World Cup and Confederations Cup host Russia. The presence of Russian goon squads at Euro 2016 almost got the national side thrown out of the tournament. Russian politicians didn’t act promptly in condemning the incidents. Some were also of the belief that the violence was in fact, ordered by Vladimir Putin.
To his credit, Russia President Vladimir Putin has now adopted legislation that toughens punishments for stadium violence, as part of a broader crackdown on hooliganism.