Egypt's foreign ministry urged Egyptian football fans who have travelled to Russia for the World Cup 2018 to comply with Russian tourism and residence regulations and avoid illegal stay in the country after the tournament ended.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls upon Egyptian citizens who have traveled to the Russian Federation to follow the World Cup, to strictly conform to Russian travel and residence laws, and not to try to break the rules governing residence and the dates of fans' departure after the end of the World Cup matches," the ministry said in a statement late on Wednesday.

The ministry reminded them to leave voluntairly or face deportation.

It said Russian authorities would take legal action against violators who may face detention until their deportation.

The tournament, hosted by Russia , ended on 15 July  with Egypt making an early exit at group stage after losing all three matches it played against Uruguay, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Last month, Russia warned it would expel foreign citizens who attempt to enter Europe illegally through Russian territory.

The warning came as foreign media reported a number of foreign fans, notably from Asia and Africa, attempted to cross into Europe illegally using World Cup fan identity documents.