As part of thef partnership and their commitment to safeguarding sport, the RFPL and ICSS will work together on a number of events, initiatives and training programmes.

These will enhance sport safety, security and integrity in Russia, prospective hosts of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and protect RFPL officials, coaches, players and young athletes around the country, it is claimed.

Following the recent joint inspection by FIFA of the World Cup venues and stadia, the RFPL will also utilise the ICSS's technical expertise and global programmes to develop and enhance best practice in the security design of sports facilities, as well as safety and security standards in and around RFPL matches.

"The Premier League is continuously working hard for the implementation of international best practices to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants in the Russian Championship," said Sergey Pryadkin, President of the RFPL.

"The signing of a cooperation agreement with the ICSS for us is an important step in this direction."

The ICSS's existing partnerships in football include those with European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL), Germany's Deutsche Fußball Liga, Spain's Liga de Fútbol Profesional and Italy's Lega Pro.

Russia is due to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup ©Getty Images



"At ICSS Europe, we have committed ourselves to working with leading organisations in sport throughout Europe and beyond to confront the threats facing sport," said Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, chief executive of ICSS Europe. 

"I believe that a more international approach to safeguarding sport is urgently required. 

"Alongside the various partnerships ICSS Europe has signed recently with key organisations from the sport and Government, this collaboration is another important landmark and we are proud to be working with the RFPL, a league I know very well.

"The RFPL is a league with whom I have cooperated closely in my previous role as chief executive of the EPFL and they are one of the top leagues in Europe and the world.

"With some of Europe's leading players and teams, this partnership with the RFPL will hopefully usher in a new era for sport in Russia, as well as a new era in terms of governance, safety and security, integrity and youth development.

"It will benefit all clubs, players and fans, as well as all those who care about football." 

Mohammed Hanzab, ICSS President, added: "At the ICSS, we believe that Governments and governing bodies must take a lead and be at the forefront of the fight to protect sport.

"I would like to thank the RFPL for partnering with the ICSS and would urge other organisations to show the same courage and leadership to confront the many new threats to sport that are emerging on the horizon."