Russia fearful of plague of locusts during World Cup
The Russian government has warned that there is the possibility of a biblical intervention in June and July: "We could have an international scandal on our hands."
A Russian government expert has voiced its concerns that a plague of locusts could descend on the World Cup in the summer, feasting on the turf of the stadiums allotted to host the tournament.
Locusts are a common problem in southern Russia during the summer and Pyotr Chekmaryov, the Ministry of Agriculture’s expert in the field, has warned that the insects could turn their attention to football stadiums in addition to their usual target of crops.
"Locusts are attracted to areas where there is a lot of green"
“We have learned more or less how to deal with locusts but this year I fear we could have an international scandal on our hands because of them,” Chekmaryov said. “Football pitches are green. And locusts are attracted to places where there is a lot of green. What will happen if they fly over places where there are football stadiums?”
Of particular concern, according to Chekmaryov, is the area around Volgograd, where five group stage games are scheduled to take place.
Speaking at a conference attended by agricultural experts, Chekmaryov said it was his “responsibility” to ensure that the tournament is not disrupted by the troublesome insects, with the eyes of the world on Russia this summer.