FIFA have banned fans from using selfie sticks at the World Cup this summer amid fears of violence in the stands. The devices will not be allowed into stadiums at Russia 2018 in an effort to reduce the threat of crowd trouble at matches.
The sticks, which clip on to mobile phones so people can take pictures of themselves, are popular with tourists worldwide. But Fifa believe they could be used as offensive weapons by supporters if fighting broke out on the stands.
They have been added to the banned list of items permitted inside grounds this summer along with camera tripods.
Bag searches will be standard at all matches during the tournament to help reduce the risk of trouble or a terrorist attack. Anything on the banned list will be removed by stewards in a similar way screening is carried out at airports.
It is the first time selfie sticks will be barred at a World Cup, following on from the decision to ban vuvuzelas at matches at Brazil 2014. (Agencies)