Russian women urged to avoid sex with non-white foreigners during World Cup

Russian women should avoid sex with non-white foreign men during the soccer World Cup because they could become single mothers to mixed race children, a senior lawmaker in Moscow has said.

Tamara Pletnyova - the head of parliament's committee for families, women and children - said even when Russian women marry foreigners, the relationships often end badly.

Women are often stranded abroad or in Russia but unable to get their children back, she said.

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She spoke in response to a question from a radio station about the so-called "Children of the Olympics" after the Moscow Games in 1980.

The term was used during the Soviet era to describe non-white children conceived at international events after relationships between Russian women and men from Africa, Latin America, or Asia.

Many of the children faced discrimination.

"We must give birth to our children. These (mixed race) kids suffer and have suffered since Soviet times," Ms Pletnyova said.

"It's one thing if they're of the same race but quite another if they're of a different race.

"I'm not a nationalist, but nevertheless I know that children suffer."

Another lawmaker said foreign fans could bring viruses to the World Cup and infect Russians.

Alexander Sherin also said Russians should be careful in their interactions with foreigners as they might try to circulate banned substances at the tournament.

Thousands of soccer fans from 31 countries are travelling to the World Cup in Russia that kicks off today with an opening ceremony in the capital followed by a match between the host team and Saudi Arabia.