Moscow imposes alcohol ban for World Cup

The Russian authorities have restricted the sale of alcoholic beverages in Moscow while the World Cup finals are taking place.

Pubs, restaurants, off-licences and supermarkets will not be able to sell booze while the measures are in place, reports The Mirror, but supporters will be able to purchase alcoholic drinks inside the stadiums and at designated fan zones.

The ban could affect England supporters if the Three Lions finish runners-up in their group, as that will mean playing a last-16 tie at the Spartak Stadium.

"Executive power bodies have set the borders where the sale and consumption will be banned on the eve and day of a match," said Moscow City Hall's deputy head of regional security Kirill Malyshkin in a statement.

The report states that other Russian cities could follow Moscow's lead and announce their own booze bans.