Russia to reduce the capacity of the signature 2018 World Cup stadium

The authorities of the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow have decided to reduce the seating capacity of the stadium to 81,000 from its original plan of 89,000.

The move has been given a go-ahead by FIFA. It was confirmed in December last year that the Luzhniki Stadium will host the opening match and the final of the 2018 mega event. The venue will also host one of the semi-final matches.

There have been concerns regarding the amount of work it would require to stick to the original plan laid out by FIFA. The original plan was to demolish of the current stadium and build a new one in its place, a plan that many felt would be too expensive and time-consuming, reports Soccerex.

The new agreement would require only minimal reconstruction work, which are expected to start after the World Athletics Championships in Moscow that will begin this month.