Russian Soccer Fans Told to Drink Whiskey

As if they needed a reason to drink, the head of the Russian soccer supporter association (VOB) is encouraging fans to drink whiskey to ward off effects of the H1N1 virus if the travel to Wales for the September World Cup qualifier.

Alexander Shprygin reportedly told Reuters, "We urge our fans to drink a lot of Welsh whiskey as a form of disinfection. That should cure all symptoms of the disease."

His comments follow a warning from the Russian Health Ministry about traveling to the United Kingdom because of concerns about the virus.

Published reports carry this statement:

"Health officials say this virus is very dangerous but being a fan myself I can tell you that for a real fan nothing is more important than the well-being of the team," said Shprygin, who also sits on the executive board of the Russian FA.

"Russian fans don't fear anything or anybody so this virus will not stand in our way of supporting our team."

About 200 Russian fans are expected to attend the matches. No word if Welsh authorities will mobilized riot police.